Skip to main content
Intermediate Technical IVT

bowel resection

Surgical removal of a segment of intestine, followed by restoration of intestinal continuity through anastomosis.

Full Definition

Bowel resection refers to the surgical removal of a diseased or damaged segment of small or large intestine. This procedure is performed for various conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemia, obstruction, or trauma. The resection involves dividing the bowel proximally and distally to the affected area, removing the diseased segment along with its associated mesentery and lymph nodes when indicated. Intestinal continuity is typically restored through primary anastomosis, though temporary diversion with ostomy creation may be necessary in certain circumstances. The procedure can be performed through open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches depending on patient and disease factors.

Usage

Usage note: Specify anatomical location (small bowel vs. colonic) when possible.

In Context

  • "Laparoscopic bowel resection was performed for sigmoid diverticulitis." — operative report
  • "The patient developed anastomotic leak following bowel resection for Crohn's disease." — postoperative complication note

Also known as

intestinal resection segmental bowel resection

Don't confuse with

bowel bypass enterotomy

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON