“How long after colon surgery can I drive?”
I am a 54 year old male. I want to know how long after colon surgery can I drive?
4 Answers
Surgeonsurgeon
Please ask your surgeon
About 4-8 weeks. The Surgeon will let you know.
It depends on what kind of surgery you had, how you have healed, as well as your pain level, and if you are still taking narcotic pain medication, which can all affect your ability to drive. Laparoscopic colon surgery as opposed to open colon surgery may have a shorter time to healing as the incisions are not as big and the postoperative pain management requirement tends to be less. Typically, if you are able to get in an out of a car without assistance, turn around to look out of your rearview mirror, start and stop abruptly the car without pain, your wounds are healed and you have no pain or pain requirements you may be cleared by your doctor to drive. Everyone heals differently and the timeframes vary.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
I recommend waiting until you no longer have to take prescription pain medication and can turn comfortably from side to side. That is usually at least 5-7 days.
