How effective is bowel resection for familial adenomatous polyposis?

Familial adenomatous polyposis causes many polyps to develop in the large bowel. Removing the colon, with or without the rectum, can prevent polyps in the removed bowel from progressing there. The operation chosen depends on where polyps are found, bowel function, age, health, and the surgeon's assessment. The bowel may be reconstructed internally or connected to a stoma.

Polyps can still occur in the rectum, small bowel, stomach, or other areas after surgery. Regular examinations allow clinicians to find and remove concerning growths early and to address changes in bowel function or the surgical connection.

Discuss the timing and type of operation with a colorectal surgeon and a genetics team. Ask about fertility, continence, diet, recovery, stoma support, and the surveillance plan for each part of the digestive tract. Tell relatives that genetic counselling may clarify who should be offered assessment. Keep every planned examination even when you feel well.

Seek prompt advice for rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight change, or a sustained change in bowel habits. After surgery, report fever, worsening pain, wound drainage, or an abrupt change in stoma output. Severe pain, fainting, breathing difficulty, or heavy bleeding requires emergency care.

Which parts of my bowel contain polyps? Which operation fits my bowel function and future plans? Could I need a stoma? What surveillance remains after surgery? Should my relatives have genetic counselling?