Actor Joe Manganiello Underwent Emergency Bowel Surgery
The 49-year-old actor underwent a 10-hour surgery to remove his large intestine following a severe, unidentified infection.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Weight Loss
Joe Manganiello was hospitalized at Cedars for a severe condition characterized by ulcers and high inflammation. During the 10-hour surgical procedure, doctors removed his large intestine and created an ostomy bag.
Why it matters
This case highlights how severe intestinal infections can necessitate radical surgical intervention to save a patient's life. Following the surgery, Manganiello experienced a recovery period that included significant weight loss of 60 pounds.
Medical treatment involved a 10-hour surgical removal of the large intestine and the placement of an ostomy bag. Recovery included the use of five catheters and intravenous prednisone to manage high inflammation levels.
The players
Joe Manganiello
A 49-year-old actor who underwent an emergency colectomy and intensive recovery for a severe intestinal condition.
Sofía Vergara
A 54-year-old actress who served as the next of kin and authorized the surgical procedure for Manganiello.
Cedars
A medical facility that provided specialized surgical care and long-term recovery treatment for the patient.
The details
The surgery involved an emergency colectomy to address extensive damage from severe ulcers and inflammation. Surgeons created an abdominal stoma, which requires an ostomy bag to collect waste, and medical staff utilized IV corticosteroids like prednisone to systemically reduce the patient's critical inflammation.
Timeline
2014: Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara began dating.
2015: The couple married.
2023: The couple announced their separation.
2024: The divorce was finalized.
Health Landscape
This procedure follows the clinical standard of care for emergency colectomy when severe ulcers and uncontrolled inflammation fail to respond to conservative medical management. Such surgeries represent a major departure from non-invasive therapies for chronic or acute intestinal disease.
Patients experiencing persistent abdominal pain, severe inflammation, or ulcerations should consult a physician regarding urgent diagnostic testing. Monitoring for sudden, unexplained weight loss or changes in digestive function is a critical step in identifying potential serious intestinal issues.
The takeaway
Severe intestinal infections can require life-saving surgical intervention when inflammation reaches critical levels. If you experience symptoms like intense abdominal pain, discuss the potential for screening and long-term gastrointestinal monitoring with your doctor.
Further reading
Learn more about managing severe health transitions in our Weight Loss section.
