Bowel cancer complex surgery

Hi Beanie2024 

I noticed that you hadn’t had a reply yet, and although my operation was different it was very complex, so I thought I’d give you my experience. It wasn’t as long as your husband is facing but friends who have had my type of surgery(total pelvic exenteration) have had longer operations than I did-one was 14 hours, so it does happen.

I remember being in the ante room just before my surgery, having an epidural done and it was mid morning. When I woke, it was evening, so it was probably around 7 or 8 hours and I had 3 surgeons working on me as I had my rectum and bladder removed as well as all of my reproductive system. I needed 2 units of blood during the surgery and I was given a 30% chance of surviving it.

I went straight to the high dependency unit for 2 days, and was in hospital for 2 weeks. My surgeons were extremely skilled, so the point I wanted to make is that I am still here 4.5 years after the surgery, and had no serious complications. 

It will be a very long and difficult day for you waiting around- that was hard for my partner. But I really hope that everything goes well and your husband can get through this and be on the road to recovery. 

Sarah xx

I had a different operation a panproctocolectomy which took 8 hours.Im sure your husband will be well looked after,its the waiting for you that will seem long.like sarah Im still here after 5 yrs so its all worth it in the end.

I was in hospital for 2 weeks but that was because I had ileus.(the bowel doesnt like being messed with and sometimes goes on strike)

All the best to you both

Kath

I just saw this post and wanted to add my experience.  I also had a complex surgery that went over 8 hours. I had my rectum, bladder, and part of my vagina removed. My reproductive organs had been removed in a prior surgery so this was pretty much everything left in my abdomen. Like your husband I needed a urologist in the operating room in addition to my colorectal surgeon.  

To be sure, it was no fun. I went straight to ICU and then to a normal floor. I lost a lot of mobility and needed rehab. I spent 2.5 weeks in the hospital then another 3 in rehab. I know this sounds terrifying... I don't mean to scare you. The message is that this can be very difficult to go through but your husband can fight through and thrive. Be prepared for a longish recovery but keep your spirits and hopes high. Lots of us have been through similar situations and we came through it, your husband will too. 

Hi

his surgery was 10 hours and he’s been in ICU for a week but today moved to a ward.

its been very hard for him so many drains, tubes, drips and machines.

its going to be a long recovery and I’m praying it goes well.

He’s got a few small clots in his lungs from surgery so is on blood thinners to try to clear them and he had ileus for a few days.

Hes had tumour and lymph nodes removed. Appendix and a stoma hernia repaired as well as re plumbing if his urethra.

so much was done we can’t thank the surgeons enough. The critical care was amazing x

Thanks for the update.

It sounds like things went well. I'm glad he was able to move out of ICU, that's progress! Some complications are to be expected. I'm still tubed up more than 2 months after surgery, you get used to it but I will be very excited when the last tube is removed. 

Recovery is a longer process than most people expect... certainly much longer and harder than I ever expected.  I have to remind myself daily to be patient with the process. 

Hopefully your husband continues to make good progress. Please keep in touch.