How long does it take to recover from colon surgery?

The average colon surgery patient spends between one and five days in the hospital, plus an additional two to four weeks recovering at home, according to the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Recovery time may be longer for open procedures as opposed to laparosocopic procedures.

Release from the hospital after surgery is usually contingent on the return of regular bowel functions and the ability to eat without the help of IV fluids. Patients are generally able to return to work within two to six weeks following the procedure. The Keck School recommends avoiding heavy lifting for at least a month following colon surgery.