Final answer:
The patient's symptoms suggest a postoperative complication like an anastomotic leak or bowel obstruction after a colectomy. Surgical intervention such as an ileostomy might be necessary. Immediate medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a postoperative complication following an elective colectomy. The patient experiencing vomiting of feculent material and drainage from the wound may have developed a condition such as an anastomotic leak or bowel obstruction, which can be serious complications after colon surgery.
In the case of severe complications, surgical intervention may be required. For instance, creation of a new fecal pouch from the small intestine connecting to the anus, or an ileostomy to divert intestinal contents may be necessary.
In the scenario of diverticulitis, which is related but not the exact situation described in the question, CT imaging and antibiotics are used for diagnosis and treatment.
Diverticulitis involves the inflammation and infection of the large intestine pouches known as diverticula, while severe cases may need surgery.
Given the postoperative symptoms described, it is critical for the healthcare team to assess the patient promptly to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management.