What is a colectomy?
A colectomy is a surgery to remove part, or all, of the colon. The colon is also called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is the last section of the intestine, just before the rectum.
See diagram below.
What does the colon do?
The colon is the end of the digestive and absorptive system. It has many important functions in
the body. One of its main functions is absorbing water from digested food. In addition, various
types of normal gut bacteria grow in the colon where they ferment undigested food, which in
turn produces gas.
Do I need to change my diet after a colectomy?
Since part, or all, of your colon has been removed, it is now shorter, and may function
differently than before surgery. You may develop diarrhea, gas, and dehydration. These
symptoms may be reduced through changes to your diet. Over time, your remaining colon may
slowly adapt and function normally again.
Diarrhea
Depending on the area of the colon removed, and how much is removed, you may have loose
stools or diarrhea after surgery. Large meals, fried foods, spicy foods, and foods that are high
in sugar can cause diarrhea or make it worse. Below are a list of foods that can worsen
diarrhea and a list of foods that may help reduce diarrhea.
Dehydration
The first sign of dehydration is thirst. Prolonged dehydration leads to less urination. You may also feel tired, weak, faint, short of breath, or have stomach pain or dry skin. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Have at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid per day. You should drink more during hot weather, when you exercise, and to replace fluids lost through diarrhea.
Gas and odor
Reduce gas by eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks. Take smaller bites of food, and chew well. Other tips to reduce gas:
Do not chew gum
Avoid drinking with straws
Stop smoking
Eat slowly
Avoid gas- and odor-causing foods if they worsen your symptoms. Add foods that may decrease odor.
Not everyone reacts the same way to the same foods. Keep a log to track foods that cause symptoms or bother you. Stop eating problem foods for 2-3 weeks. Then add back one food at a time. Start with small portions to see if the food still causes symptoms. Wait a few days before adding back another food.
Colectomy diet 4-19-16
Diagram on first page adapted from Colon Cancer Alliance.