Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Having colon resection or colostomy surgery is a big step towards getting better. But, feeling unexpected abdominal pain can be scary and confusing. At Liv Hospital, we get how worried you must be about these issues.

It’s important to know why you might feel abdominal pain after colostomy surgery or pain on the right side after colon resection. Our team is here to help. We offer clear advice and the latest treatments to help you heal.

We know how much post-operative pain can affect your life. We’re here to help you with kindness and medical knowledge.Why do you have right side pain after colon resection? We explore 7 alarming causes and what this pain means for your recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Post-operative pain can come from many causes, like surgical problems.
• Knowing why you’re in pain is key to managing it well.
• Liv Hospital focuses on caring for you and supporting your recovery.
• We have treatments based on science to help with post-operative pain.
• It’s important to see a doctor quickly to get better.

Understanding Colon Resection and Colostomy Surgery

It’s important for patients to know about colon resection and colostomy surgery. We want to give clear info on these big surgeries.

What is a Colon Resection?

A colon resection, or colectomy, means removing part of the colon. It’s done for things like cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

What is a Colostomy Surgery?

A colostomy makes a hole in the belly, called a stoma. It lets the colon’s waste go into a bag. This might happen after a colon resection, based on the disease or injury.

Common Reasons These Surgeries Are Performed

Colon resection and colostomy surgeries are for different reasons. Here are some:

These surgeries are big deals and need a lot of thought. Knowing why they’re done helps patients get ready for recovery.

Normal Post-Operative Pain vs. Concerning Symptoms

After colon surgery, knowing what’s normal is key. Pain is a part of healing, but some signs are not okay. It’s important to tell the difference to recover safely.

Expected Pain Patterns After Surgery

Patients often feel pain after colon surgery. This pain is usually strongest in the first days and gets better over time. Your doctor will give you medicine to help with the pain.

The pain can feel sharp, dull, or like a discomfort in your belly. It’s normal for pain to get worse when you move, cough, or laugh. As you get better, the pain should start to feel better too.

Timeline for Normal Recovery

Recovery times can vary. But most people see big improvements in 4-6 weeks. Here’s what you might expect:

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

Some pain is okay, but other signs mean you need to see a doctor right away. These include:

• Increasing pain or pain that doesn’t respond to medication
• Fever or chills
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the surgical site
• Nausea or vomiting that persists
• Constipation or inability to pass gas

If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor fast. Quick action can help avoid problems and make recovery easier.

Right Side Pain After Colon Resection: Common Causes

Feeling pain on the right side after colon resection surgery can be scary. We need to know why this happens. Post-operative pain can come from many places.

Surgical Site Pain and Incisional Discomfort

Surgical site pain and discomfort from incisions are big reasons for right side pain. The area where the surgeon made cuts is where the pain comes from. This pain is because of the body’s reaction to the surgery.

The places where the surgeon made cuts can hurt as they heal. How big the cut is, where it is, and how much pain you can handle can affect how much it hurts.

Internal Healing Processes

Healing inside the body also adds to the pain after surgery. After a colon resection, the body starts to fix itself. This can cause pain on the right side as it gets back to normal.

Patients might feel different kinds of pain, from a little ache to sharp pains, as they heal. It’s important to watch these feelings and talk to doctors about them to help heal faster.

Nerve Damage and Neuropathic Pain

Nerve damage during surgery can also cause right side pain. Neuropathic pain feels like sharp, shooting, or burning. This pain is hard to deal with and might need special treatments.

Knowing why right side pain happens after colon resection helps manage it better. Doctors can then give better care to help with the pain and help the body heal.

Adhesions: The Leading Cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that often occur after abdominal surgery. They can cause chronic pain. These bands can form between organs or between organs and the abdominal wall, leading to discomfort.

Formation of Adhesions After Surgery

Adhesions form as the body heals after surgery. When the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, is damaged, it exposes underlying tissues. This leads to inflammation and the formation of adhesions as the body heals.

Several factors can increase the chance of adhesion formation. These include:

• Surgical technique and extent of surgery
• Previous abdominal surgeries
• Infection or inflammation
• Genetic predisposition

Why Adhesions Cause Pain

Adhesions can cause pain by pulling on surrounding tissues or organs. This restricts their movement, leading to chronic pain. The pain may be constant or triggered by certain movements or activities.

A study found that adhesions can cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain, and female infertility. These issues significantly impact quality of life.

“Adhesions are a major cause of morbidity in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery.”

Diagnosing Adhesion-Related Pain

Diagnosing adhesion-related pain can be challenging. Symptoms are often non-specific and can resemble other post-surgical complications. A thorough medical history and physical examination are key in the diagnostic process.

Understanding adhesions and their role in chronic abdominal pain is crucial. It helps manage post-surgical discomfort effectively. We will continue to explore the complexities of post-surgical complications in the following sections.

Serious Complications That Cause Right Side Pain

Right side pain after colon surgery can be a sign of serious problems. Some pain is normal after surgery. But, if the pain is severe or lasts a long time, it might mean something is wrong.

We will look at four serious issues that can cause right side pain: bowel obstruction, hernias, infection, and anastomotic leaks.

Bowel Obstruction: Symptoms and Risks

A bowel obstruction is when the intestines get blocked. This can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems like bowel ischemia or perforation.

Common symptoms of bowel obstruction:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or obstipation
• Abdominal distension

Seeing a doctor quickly is important if symptoms get worse.

Hernias at Incision or Stoma Sites

Hernias can happen at the surgical site or around the stoma. An incisional hernia is when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. A parastomal hernia is when intestine bulges around the stoma.

A medical expert says, “Hernias are a common problem after abdominal surgery. They can really affect a patient’s life quality.”

“The occurrence of hernias after abdominal surgery is a significant concern, as it can lead to further complications and the need for additional surgical interventions.”

Infection and Abscess Formation

Infection and abscesses are serious problems after colon surgery. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, and more pain at the surgical site. An abscess is a pocket of pus in the abdominal cavity.

Signs of infection or abscess:

• Fever and chills
• Increased pain or tenderness
• Redness or swelling at the surgical site
• Pus or discharge

Anastomotic Leaks and Their Consequences

An anastomotic leak is when the connection between two intestine segments breaks down. This can cause infection and serious problems in the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of anastomotic leak:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever
• Abdominal tenderness
• Sepsis or shock in severe cases

It’s important to get a quick diagnosis and treatment for anastomotic leaks.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Knowing when to seek medical help after colon surgery is crucial. Some pain is normal after surgery. But, certain symptoms need quick attention.

Red Flag Symptoms

Keep a close eye on how your body reacts after surgery. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or passing black tarry stools are signs to get help right away. Other warning signs include:

• High fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Increasing abdominal tenderness or swelling
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst or dark urine
• Difficulty urinating or severe constipation

Emergency vs. Urgent Care Situations

Not all symptoms need emergency care. But, knowing the difference is key. A fever or mild pain might be handled at urgent care. But, severe pain or trouble breathing need emergency help.

A medical expert says, “Timely action is key to recovery. Knowing how serious your symptoms are is important.”

“If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.”

What Information to Provide to Healthcare Providers

When you see a doctor, give them all the details. Be ready to talk about:

1. Your surgical history, including the type of surgery and date
2. Current symptoms, including when they started and their severity
3. Any medications you’re currently taking
4. Any allergies or sensitivities you have

Being informed and ready can help your recovery. It also helps address any problems quickly.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome and Related Discomfort

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a condition that affects many patients after certain colon resection surgeries. It includes a range of symptoms that can greatly affect a patient’s life. We will look at the symptoms of LARS, how it causes abdominal pain, and ways to manage it.

Symptoms of LARS

LARS is marked by bowel dysfunction symptoms like stool clustering, urgency, and incontinence. These symptoms can vary and affect daily life. Knowing the symptoms is key to diagnosing and managing LARS well.

How LARS Contributes to Abdominal Pain

The symptoms of LARS can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. For example, stool clustering and urgency can cause cramping and pain. This pain can also be emotionally distressing due to bowel dysfunction.

Management Strategies for LARS

Managing LARS needs a multi-faceted approach. This includes dietary adjustments to lessen symptoms, pelvic floor rehabilitation to enhance bowel control, and medical interventions for severe symptoms. We help patients create a personalized plan to meet their needs and improve their life quality.

Diagnostic Approaches for Post-Surgical Pain

Diagnosing post-surgical pain is a detailed process. It includes physical exams, imaging studies, and lab tests. After colon resection or colostomy surgery, finding the cause of pain is key. This helps in creating a good treatment plan.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam is the first step. We check the patient’s overall health. We look for signs of complications like infection or hernia.

The exam focuses on the surgical area. We check for redness, swelling, or discharge.

Key components of the physical examination include:

• Inspection of the surgical site and surrounding areas
• Palpation to identify areas of tenderness or masses
• Auscultation of bowel sounds to assess gastrointestinal motility

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are crucial for diagnosing pain after surgery. Different imaging methods offer unique insights into the patient’s condition.

Common imaging studies used include:

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests give vital information about the patient’s health. They help find complications or the cause of pain.

Key laboratory tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Blood chemistry tests to assess liver and kidney function
• C-reactive protein (CRP) to evaluate for inflammation

Treatment Options for Persistent Right Side Pain

Dealing with persistent right side pain after colon surgery or colostomy is a journey. It involves looking at many treatment paths. Finding the right way to manage pain is key to a better life.

Medication Management

Medicine is a big part of fighting pain. We suggest a mix of drugs that fit each person’s needs.

• Pain Relievers: For light to medium pain, over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or NSAIDs work well.
• Prescription Medications: If pain is severe, doctors might prescribe stronger drugs like opioids or nerve pain meds.

Physical Therapy Approaches

Physical therapy is also very important. It helps move better and feel less pain.

Some physical therapy methods include:

1. Manual therapy to make tissues healthier
2. Custom exercises to build strength and flexibility
3. Using heat or cold to lessen pain

Surgical Interventions for Persistent Pain

Sometimes, surgery is needed to find and fix the pain’s cause.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Other therapies can help along with usual treatments. They offer extra relief.

Some choices are:

• Acupuncture to help healing and cut pain
• Mind-body therapies like meditation or yoga to handle stress and pain

Talking to a healthcare provider is a good first step to find the best therapy for you.

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications to Reduce Pain

Managing post-surgical pain needs a full approach. This includes changing your diet and lifestyle. Making smart choices can lessen your pain and boost your life quality.

Dietary Adjustments for Better Digestive Comfort

Your diet is key in managing pain and digestive comfort after surgery. Adjusting your diet can help reduce discomfort and aid in healing.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.
• Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Consider a low-fiber diet initially to reduce bowel movements.

Keeping a food diary can help you see which foods cause discomfort. This way, you can make better food choices.

Physical Activity Guidelines

Gentle exercise can lessen pain and aid in recovery. Physical therapy is especially good for regaining strength and mobility.

1. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance.
2. Engage in stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
3. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Talking to a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help create an exercise plan that fits your needs.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress can make pain worse. Using stress management techniques can help lessen this effect.

• Meditation and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress.
• Yoga and tai chi can improve flexibility and balance.
• Doing things you enjoy can take your mind off the pain.

Finding what works for you and adding it to your daily routine can greatly improve your life.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Complications

Being proactive can prevent issues like hernias, bowel obstruction, and adhesions.

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for post-surgical care.
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
• Know the signs of complications, such as severe pain, vomiting, or fever, and seek medical help quickly.

Being proactive and informed can lower the risk of complications and support a smoother recovery.

Conclusion: Managing Your Recovery Journey

Managing your recovery after colon surgery is key to a good outcome. Good care after surgery helps avoid problems and lessens pain.

We’ve looked at different parts of post-surgery pain. This includes what’s normal and what’s not, why you might feel pain on one side, and serious issues that could happen. Knowing these helps you handle your recovery better and spot problems early.

Handling pain is a big part of getting better. It involves using medicines, doing physical therapy, and changing your lifestyle. A full plan for managing pain can make you feel better and lower the chance of lasting problems.

Your recovery doesn’t stop after you heal. Keeping up with care and support is important for a smooth recovery. By staying informed and working with your healthcare team, you can face challenges and get the best results.

FAQ

References

Khalil, H. M., et al. (2021). Biliary leakage following cholecystectomy: A prospective population study. Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, 9(5), 289-296. Retrieved from https://www.jrmds.in/articles/biliary-leakage-following-cholecystectomy-a-prospective-population-study-84919.html