Bowel Resection

Bowel resection is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged segment of the small or large intestine is removed and the remaining healthy ends are reconnected, or brought to the abdominal wall as an ostomy. In the context of asbestos-related disease, it may be performed during cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma when tumor has invaded part of the intestinal wall.

Origin

The word "bowel" comes from the Old French boel, meaning intestine, and "resection" derives from the Latin resecare, meaning to cut back or cut off. Bowel resection as a controlled surgical technique developed in the 19th century with advances in anesthesia and antisepsis, and became a routine component of abdominal cancer surgery in the 20th century.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, bowel resection is often part of cytoreductive surgery (CRS), sometimes combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), when tumor encases or invades segments of the small bowel, colon, or rectum. The extent of bowel removed affects recovery, nutrition, bowel function, and long-term quality of life, and these impacts are medically and legally significant. Operative reports describing the length and location of bowel removed, the pathology of resected segments, and any resulting ostomy are important parts of the medical record and should be preserved for both ongoing care and any legal claim.

Example Sentence

During her cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma, the surgeon performed a bowel resection to remove a section of small intestine where tumor had invaded the wall.

Related Terms

Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Cytoreductive Surgery, HIPEC, Anastomosis, Ostomy

Notes

• Request a complete copy of the operative report and pathology report. These document the length and location of bowel removed and whether margins were clear of tumor.
• Ask your surgical team specifically about expected changes in digestion, bowel frequency, nutrient absorption (especially B12, iron, and bile acids if ileum is removed), and whether a temporary or permanent ostomy is anticipated.
• If a significant length of small bowel is removed, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian familiar with short bowel syndrome and post-surgical nutrition.
• Keep records of all post-operative complications (leaks, obstructions, hernias, ostomy revisions) as these affect both your medical care and the damages component of an asbestos claim.
• For peritoneal mesothelioma patients, seek evaluation at a center experienced in CRS/HIPEC before undergoing surgery, as outcomes are strongly tied to surgical expertise.