Small Bowel Resection: Surgery, Risks and Recovery
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
A small bowel resection is surgery to remove a damaged or diseased part of the small intestine. It treats tumors, small bowel cancer, Crohn's disease strictures, bowel obstructions and injuries. The surgeon reconnects the healthy ends or creates an ileostomy. You'll stay in the hospital a few days and fully recover in a few months.
What the research says
Repeat surgery for Crohn's had acceptable risks: a review of 12 studies with 1,203 people having a repeat bowel resection for Crohn's disease found complications in 31.8%, major complications in 8% and anastomotic leaks in 3% (Freund MR et al., Surgery, 2022) [2]
Surgery gave more medicine-free remission than infliximab: in a 10-year follow-up of 129 people with ileal Crohn's disease, medicine-free remission was 35.8% after bowel resection versus 13.2% with infliximab, while overall remission was similar (Oldenburg L et al., Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026) [3]
Key takeaways
A small bowel resection removes a diseased part of the small intestine.
It treats tumors, Crohn's strictures, blockages and injuries.
It can be laparoscopic, robotic or open.
Healthy ends are reconnected, or an ileostomy is made.
Full recovery takes a few months.
What is a small bowel resection?
Your small intestine is 20 to 30 feet long and absorbs nutrients from food. Some resections remove a small section; others remove more. Problems in the large intestine may need a colectomy instead. Sources: [1]
Why it's done
Emergencies like blockages need surgery right away.
Small intestine cancer, tumors or polyps.
Strictures from Crohn's disease.
Small bowel obstruction, including intussusception.
A trapped (incarcerated) hernia.
Injury that tears the intestine.
Meckel's diverticulum or malrotation.
Necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies. Sources: [1]
Types of surgery
Part of the ileum, cecum or appendix may also be removed.
Type | How it's done |
Laparoscopic | Small incisions, thin tools and a camera |
Robotic | Robotic arms for more reach and precision |
Open | One large incision in the middle of the belly |
Part of the ileum, cecum or appendix may also be removed. A general surgeon usually performs it; a colorectal surgeon may handle complex cases. Sources: [1]
How to prepare
Labs and imaging, unless it's an emergency.
Stop blood thinners, aspirin and anti-inflammatories as directed.
Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water in the days before, then switch to clear liquids.
You may need an enema or laxatives. Sources: [1]
What happens during surgery
Blood vessel repair may be needed for blockages.
You get general anesthesia.
The surgeon makes small incisions or one large one.
Clamps go on both sides of the diseased section, which is removed.
The healthy ends are joined with stitches or staples (anastomosis).
If there isn't enough healthy tissue, an ileostomy is created.
The incision is closed. Sources: [1]
Risks
A leak where the bowel is joined (anastomotic leak), which can be life-threatening.
Chronic anemia.
Damage to nearby organs.
Diarrhea for a few weeks.
A hernia at the incision.
Narrowing (stricture) or blockage. Sources: [1, 2]
Surgeons keep as much healthy bowel as possible to avoid short bowel syndrome. Sources: [1]
Recovery
You'll stay in the hospital a few days while your bowel rests.
Nutrition starts through a tube, then fluids and soft foods.
Rest at home and walk often to prevent blood clots.
Most people resume daily activities within a few weeks.
Full recovery takes a few months. Sources: [1]
Outlook
A small bowel resection can give long-lasting relief and can cure injuries and birth conditions. Hernias and Crohn's disease can come back, sometimes needing another resection. Sources: [1, 2, 3]
When to call your provider
Trouble having a bowel movement.
Frequent nausea or vomiting.
Pus or blood from the incision.
Pain that medicine doesn't relieve.
Fever or warmth near the incision. Sources: [1]
Conclusion
A small bowel resection removes the diseased part of your intestine so the rest can work normally. Following your diet plan and walking often help you heal.
Keep learning: read about Crohn's disease and short bowel syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
What is a small bowel resection?
Surgery to remove a diseased part of the small intestine.
Why is it done?
For tumors, Crohn's strictures, blockages, hernias and injuries.
Is it done laparoscopically?
Often, but robotic or open surgery may be used.
What is an anastomosis?
Joining the healthy ends of the bowel.
Will I need an ileostomy?
Only if there isn't enough healthy tissue to reconnect.
How long is the hospital stay?
A few days.
When can I eat?
You start with tube feeding, then fluids and soft foods.
Will I have diarrhea?
Possibly, for a few weeks.
How long is recovery?
A few weeks for daily activities; a few months in full.
Can Crohn's come back after surgery?
Yes, it can recur.
Related Reading
Understanding the Small Intestine: Anatomy, Function, and Digestive Health how the small intestine works.
Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Flares vs. Remission and Treatment — What You Need to Know a common reason for surgery.
Short Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment a possible complication.
Colectomy: Types, Procedure, Risks and Recovery Explained large bowel surgery.
Ileostomy: Types, Surgery, Recovery, Stoma Care and Reversal an opening for stool.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Small Bowel Resection Surgery: Procedure & Purpose. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated January 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24596-small-bowel-resection
Freund MR, Emile SH, Horesh N, et al. Redo ileocolic resection for recurrent Crohn's disease: a review and meta-analysis of surgical outcomes. Surgery. 2022;172(6):1614-1621. PMID 36270822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2022.09.003
Oldenburg L, Haanappel AEG, Ali M, et al. Ileocaecal resection versus infliximab for ileal Crohn's disease: retrospective 10-year follow-up of the LIR!C trial. Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2026;11(4):314-322. PMID 41724174. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00374-7
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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