Enterostomy

Why is this procedure done?

An enterostomy is a kind of surgery. The doctor makes an opening that connects the inside of the belly to the outside of the body. The opening is called a stoma. Some openings let you get rid of the bodys waste products. If the opening is coming from the small intestine, it is called an ileostomy or jejunostomy. Other kinds are colostomy, urostomy, and vesicostomy. Other openings may be made to give you nutrition. An opening made right into the stomach is a gastrostomy. Your enterostomy may be short-term or long-lasting. ‚
This procedure is done when: ‚

Your body cannot get rid of waste materials the normal way
You need some other way for food to get into your body

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What will the results be?

An enterostomy will make a new way for food to go in or for waste to come out. ‚

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 procedure to empty out your stomach or 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 I.V. 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, and then another small tube in your nose. This one 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 abdomen.
To get rid of the bodys waste ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will make a cut in your belly. The bowel or ureter will be cut and one end will be stitched to your belly wall. This will make an opening for the waste to drain. It will be covered with a small bag to collect the drainage that comes from your belly.
To put in a feeding tube ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will make a cut in your stomach wall. Your doctor will make a cut in your small bowel. Your doctor will put the tube through the opening and stitch it in place. Your doctor will bring the tube out of your belly. It is secured to the belly wall with stitches.
The procedure may take 3 to 5 hours. It will take about 30 to 45 minutes to put in a feeding tube. It takes 2 to 4 hours to do a surgery to help your body get rid of wastes and make a stoma.

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 2 to 4 days. Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
You may feel pain on the wound site. Your doctor will give you drugs to relieve the pain.
You will start with clear liquids when the doctor lets you begin to eat. Talk to your doctor about the right diet for you. If you have a feeding tube, the doctor will order when you can feed and how to feed through it.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain
Prevent infection

What problems could happen?

Bleeding
Infection
Skin irritation around the stoma
Loose stools
Bowel obstruction
Hernia at the site where the surgery is done
Tube is blocked, leaks, or falls out
Low mood

Where can I learn more?

American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002870-pdf.pdf ‚
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons ‚
http://www.fascrs.org/patients/treatments_and_screenings/ostomy/ ‚
Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy ‚
http://www.caet.ca/caet-english/education-colostomy-guide.htm ‚
Paediatrics & Child Health ‚
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724142/ ‚
The International Ostomy Association ‚
http://www.ostomyinternational.org/ ‚

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 providers 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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