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Segmental colectomies -

Usually, a vertical incision is made in the middle of the abdomen, overlying the portion of the bowel with disease. The segment of bowel with the disease is removed.

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Segmental colectomies -

If the excision is for cancer, an effort is made to remove a wider segment to include lymph nodes. The ends of the bowel are joined together for healing.

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Abdominoperineal resection -

This delicate surgery is performed to treat low rectal cancers. The anus, rectum, and part of the sigmoid colon are removed to include the attending vessels and lymph nodes.

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Abdominoperineal resection -

The end of the colon is then brought through an opening made in the abdominal wall, which is called a colostomy.

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Small bowel resection -

This surgery is performed to remove Crohn's disease, cancer, ulcers, benign tumors, and polyps. It removes a portion of the small intestine.

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Small bowel resection -

The diseased parts of the small intestine are removed, and the healthy parts are sewed back together. If necessary, an opening to the outside of the body called an ostomy is created.

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Repair of parastomal hernias -

An ostomy is an abdominal wall opening, created to bring the bowel to the skin surface. And the most common problem with an ostomy is a hernia.

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Repair of parastomal hernias -

Space next to the bowel in the abdominal wall permits fat or another loop of bowel to slip into it. The hernia repair is made by closing the space with sutures or mesh. Sometimes the ostomy is moved to another site on the abdominal wall.

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Ostomy creation and revisions -

An ostomy is a surgically created opening connecting the bowel to the surface of the body. Ostomy revisions are surgeries to correct defects, such as protrusion, recession, or hernia of the ostomy.

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Ostomy creation and revisions -

The surgery is to make the ostomy protrude a small length so that application of the pouch will be easier.

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Low anterior resection -

In this operation, part of the rectum is removed, and then rejoined (anastomosed). It's a common procedure for rectal cancer.

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Low anterior resection -

Anastomoses at this deep level of the pelvis are at increased risk to leak, so often an ostomy is created to stop the pressure of bowel movements.

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Total colectomy and total proctocolectomy -

A few diseases require removal of the entire colon, with anastomosis of the end of the small bowel to the rectum. Familial polyposis or ulcerative colitis often require removal of the colon and rectum.

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Total colectomy and total proctocolectomy -

A new pouch is created and joined down to the anus. A temporary ostomy is often included.

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Perineal repair -

A rectal prolapse can be treated by a surgery called a perineal repair.

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Perineal repair -

During surgery, the lining of the bowel, or the section of bowel that has prolapsed, is removed and stitched back together.

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Before the procedure -

Many of the tips for abdominal surgery preparation apply to multiple types of surgeries. But ultimately, your doctor will give you the exact preparation steps for your surgery.

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Complete physical exam -

Before surgery, your doctor will ask about allergies or a family history of bleeding disorders. They may also prescribe specific tests like an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or abdominal ultrasound to confirm the medical condition.

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Other medical conditions -

If it applies to you, your doctor will make sure other medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are under control.

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Bowel preparations - Your doctor will give you bowel preparations for the day before your surgery. These typically include taking a laxative and not eating or drinking after midnight.

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Stop smoking -

If you're a smoker, you should stop smoking four to six weeks before your surgery. This is because smoking can impair lung function, making it more difficult for the body to recover from anesthesia.

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What to expect from abdominal surgery -

Abdominal surgery is a physically demanding experience that requires a lot of rest to make a fast, full recovery.

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The surgery can take several hours -

The surgery can take two to six hours, depending on the condition and associated complications.

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Time in hospital -

Depending on the scope of the surgery, expect to stay at the hospital two nights at minimum and as long as seven days.

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The recovery period - The recovery period is different for each person, but most patients return to their usual routines in a one- to three-month period.

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Pain management -

A post-surgery pain management regimen will be prescribed by your doctor. For example, it could be painkillers for movement or muscle pain.

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Ostomy -

If your surgery includes an ostomy, you'll learn how to care for it.

Sources: (MedStar Health) (Cleveland Clinic) 

See also: The world's most popular plastic surgery procedures

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