Not having the surgery done laproscopically

    I asked the surgeon if he was going to do my total colectomy with end ileo laproscopically and he said no .  Although he said the incision would not be much larger.  He also said an NG tube will be inserted during the surgery.  Why do they do that?  My mind was in such a tither.  Since he said that I don't need to prep....only clear liquids the day before....just to be safe, I think I will do clear liquids tomorrow too.  Man I am sooo nervous, especially since I am feeling so much better.

I had an NG tube during at least one of the surgeries...I think 2 of them. I know they kept it in for a day after the surgery. I was only allowed ice chips. I remember being so angry because I just wanted to drink water. After waking up from surgery, your mouth is SO dry. I think it just gives everything a chance to wake up without having to work at getting things out of the stomach and stuff. Having it in wasn't really a big deal, but when they pulled it out I remember being like "jesus, that thing is long" :D. I think I was on clear liquids for another day or so after they took it out and then I had full liquids for another day and then a low residue diet.
My surgeon doesn't even attempt anything laproscopically. It wouldn't have been an option for me anyway. My surgeries were all at least double the length of time and more difficult and I even had to have the big incision cut back open for my takedowns when usually they can just drop the intestine back in.

lapro surgery is easier to heal from but harder to do, and esp with your problem with your parts on the other side (i cant remember the name, lol) they may want to be able to see everything better.

Christine1946
Hello, well I had to do no prep, whatever was in there went out with my colon and I had not gone to the bathroom in 25 days when I had mine.  Plus don't let them fool you its a big incision.  When are you having it done and are they going to reconnect you?

Leslie