Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100089.htm

Large bowel resection - series—Indications

Indications

Overview

Bowel resection may be indicated for:

  • Blockage of the intestine (intestinal obstruction) due to scar tissue or tumors
  • Bleeding, due to diverticulosis or arteriovenous malformations
  • Injuries
  • Cancer
  • Precancerous polyps
  • Familial polyposis
  • Infection, due to diverticulitis

Review Date 7/6/2026

Updated by: Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.