Colorectal Surgery

If your treatment plan include an operation or a surgical procedure; you will be required to have a pre-operative assessment.

At the pre-operative assessment, the specialist surgical nurse practitioner will carry out routine tests to ensure you are fit and safely prepared for surgery. This includes screening for potential infections, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), discussing the Enhanced Recovery Programme and prehabilitation to prepare you for your admission.  You may be seen by a Anaesthetic Consultant prior to your surgery.

You will also be given information regarding your stay, contact numbers for family and loved ones, any pre op medications that are required and admission details.

You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss any concerns that you may have regarding your operation, social situation and discharge.

All of our elective colorectal patients follow the Enhanced Recovery Programme.  It commences once patients have been seen by the consultant. Patients on the Enhanced Recovery Programme recover more quickly following surgery.  Are able to leave hospital and resume normal activities sooner.  It's aim is to minimise the emotional and physical stress that comes with major surgery. It is important that you play an active part after surgery. 

The Enhanced Recovery Programme approach involves:

• Pre-operative advice and information
• Carbohydrate rich drinks before surgery (Preload)
• Tailored postoperative pain relief
• Early feeding after surgery
• Early walking after surgery

These elements speed recovery and reduce the possibility of complications such as chest infection and muscle wastage.

Our colorectal theatre team are a multi-disciplinary group of staff with specific skills to support the patient and surgical team throughout the operation. The team are responsible for the wellbeing of patients, providing a comfortable environment throughout their care.  Based in the Main Theatre department at Kettering General Hospital.

The colorectal theatre team will be there to support our patients from arrival to theatres, offering reassurance, advocacy and dignity throughout all perioperative stages. Ensuring patients receive quality care, which will be continued when they are transferred to our excellent post-operative recovery team.

The team includes:

• Surgeons
• Anaesthetists
• Operating Department Practitioners
• Nurses/ Nurse Associates
• Healthcare Assistants

Once you are discharged, we offer you continued access to the specialist nurses for any concerns or questions you may have while recovering at home. This can be via the telephone or we offer the use of a digital platform called the Post Op app.  Details of this will be discussed during your admission.

We also offer nurse led face to face, same day clinics based on your clinical need. This is to provide reassurance once you get home.