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Ostomy Reversal


Why is this procedure done?


An ostomy is a kind of surgery where the doctor makes an opening that connects your bowel to the outside of the body. The opening is called a stoma. This opening lets you get rid of the bodys waste products. If the opening is coming from the small bowel, it is called an ileostomy or jejunostomy. If it is coming from the large bowel, it is a colostomy. ‚  
Sometimes you may only need your ostomy for a short time. Then the doctor will do an ostomy reversal to join the ends of your bowel back together again. The opening in the skin is also closed. The doctor will suggest this procedure when your bowels have healed and you no longer need the ostomy. ‚  

What will the results be?


You will no longer have a stoma and your bowel movements will leave your body through your rectum. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚  
  • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
  • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
  • When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
  • If you need to do a bowel prep to clear out your stomach and bowels before your procedure.

Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚  
  • Lab tests
  • X-rays
  • CT scan

You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚  

What happens during the procedure?


  • Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
  • When you are asleep, the doctor will put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. Another small tube is put in your nose and goes down to your stomach to drain any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will also have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
  • Your surgery may be done with either an open or a laparoscopic procedure.
    • Open ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor makes a long cut on your belly to do the surgery.
    • Laparoscopic ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your belly. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at the area. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the procedure. To be able to view the site, gas will be put in the belly.
  • The doctor will join the ends of your bowel together and close the cut on your belly.
  • The procedure may take 2 to 4 hours.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 3 to 10 days. Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
  • You may feel pain on the wound site. Your doctor will order drugs to ease the pain.
  • Your doctor will order clear liquids for you when you start to eat.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages.
    • When you may take a bath or shower.
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
    • When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
  • Talk to the doctor about what kinds of foods are OK for you to eat. You may need to be on a special diet.
  • Do not take laxatives. Ask your doctor before taking any drugs.
  • Use a soft cloth or baby wipe after each bowel movement. Your doctor may suggest you put petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, or other cream or ointment on your bottom after each bowel movement to protect your skin.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Loose, watery stools
  • Increased gas
  • Frequent stools
  • Urgent need to have stools
  • Bowel obstruction

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain or numbness, redness and pus at the wound site.
  • Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint or passing out.
  • Very bad belly pain or your belly feels swollen or bloated
  • Very hard stools
  • More than 10 to 15 liquid stools in a day
  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools
  • Upset stomach or throwing up

Where can I learn more?


Beating Bowel Cancer ‚  
https://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/stoma-reversal ‚  
Colostomy Association ‚  
http://www.colostomyassociation.org.uk/index.php?p=199&pp=3&page=Stoma%20Reversal ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Colostomy/Pages/Reversal.aspx ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2015-11-23 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Gastrointestinal

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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