What to expect from bowel resection for familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis causes many bowel polyps and can make repeated endoscopic removal unsuitable or incomplete. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the colon, with the exact operation based on polyp burden, rectal findings, symptoms, previous procedures, and your overall health.

The surgeon may connect the remaining bowel to the rectum or create an internal pouch, depending on the plan. A temporary stoma may protect healing; some people need longer-term stoma support. Removing the colon does not remove the need for surveillance, because polyps can occur in other parts of the digestive tract or in remaining bowel tissue.

Ask for a clear explanation of the proposed operation, bowel connection, possible stoma, and expected changes in frequency or urgency. Arrange help with meals, transport, and daily tasks. At home, follow wound and stoma instructions, increase activity gradually, and introduce foods according to your team’s advice.

Keep appointments with the colorectal team and any genetics or gastroenterology service involved in your care. Relatives may also be offered genetic counselling, so ask how family screening is coordinated.

Call your surgical team for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, wound discharge, or a marked change in bowel or stoma output. Seek emergency care for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or breathing difficulty.

Ask which operation is recommended and why, how the rectum or a pouch will be managed, whether a stoma is expected, how diet and bowel control may change, and which surveillance tests remain necessary.