Day theatre procedure
About this service
Small bowel resection is a surgical procedure performed in Windhoek to remove a diseased or damaged section of small intestine, restoring bowel continuity where possible. It is used to treat conditions such as blockages, areas of poor blood supply, or diseased bowel that isn't responding to other treatment. Because it involves working inside the abdomen, it's a more involved operation that requires careful assessment beforehand.
At Eastgate Clinic this surgery is performed in our on-site day theatre by a visiting general surgeon, with your GP coordinating referral, admission and follow-up care in our rooms. Your doctor will explain what to expect based on your specific condition.
What to expect
- Thorough assessment and investigation in our rooms before surgery is planned
- Under general anaesthesia the visiting surgeon removes the diseased segment of bowel and joins the healthy ends, or forms a stoma if needed
- A period of monitored recovery is needed as bowel function returns
- Diet is usually reintroduced gradually, following your doctor's guidance
- Follow-up consultations to monitor healing and discuss any test results
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain and bowel symptoms
- A diagnosed bowel blockage or area of diseased intestine
- Bowel symptoms not improving with medical treatment alone
- Findings on scans that suggest a segment of bowel needs removal
- Referral from your GP for a surgical opinion on bowel disease
Frequently asked questions
Will I need a stoma after small bowel resection?
Often not. Where the bowel is healthy enough, the two ends are joined in the same operation. A temporary stoma is sometimes needed if the bowel is very inflamed or the join needs time to rest, and your surgeon will discuss this with you beforehand.
Can I eat normally after part of my small intestine is removed?
Most people return to a normal diet. Because the small bowel absorbs nutrients, a large resection can cause loose stools or affect vitamin absorption, which your doctor will monitor and manage.
Do I need a referral for small bowel resection?
Book with our GP team first. After examination and scans, your doctor will refer you to the visiting general surgeon, who operates in our on-site day theatre and will plan the surgery with you.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your small bowel resection?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.