Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionPurposePreparationDay of SurgeryRecoveryLong-Term Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Purpose
Preparation
Day of Surgery
Recovery
Long-Term Care
Anileostomyreversal is a technique that rejoins the two ends of your bowel after an ileostomy. Its purpose is to restore bowel function so you can remove waste normally.
This article describes what an ileostomy reversal involves, how to prepare for it, what to expect, and common outcomes.
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What Is Ileostomy Reversal?
Ileostomy reversal involvesanastomosis—or joining the two ends of the stoma together—and then closing the part of your belly where a surgical opening called a stoma was created to send the contents of your small intestine out of the body. During the ileostomy reversal procedure, stitches or staples are used to rejoin the ends of the bowel that were separated in the ileostomy.
When successful, an ileostomy reversal allows you to return to normal elimination of fecal waste through the rectum. The stoma pouch can be removed.
Ileostomy reversal is performed as an inpatient procedure. It involves either open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure such as keyholelaparoscopicsurgery. It can be performed on children and adults.
Ileostomy vs. ColostomyAn ileostomy is one type of ostomy, an opening created during surgery, and a colostomy is another. They entail:An ileostomybrings the ileum, a part of the small intestine, to the abdomen’s surface to remove digestive waste.Acolostomybrings the large intestine, or colon, to the surface of the abdomen.
Ileostomy vs. Colostomy
An ileostomy is one type of ostomy, an opening created during surgery, and a colostomy is another. They entail:An ileostomybrings the ileum, a part of the small intestine, to the abdomen’s surface to remove digestive waste.Acolostomybrings the large intestine, or colon, to the surface of the abdomen.
An ileostomy is one type of ostomy, an opening created during surgery, and a colostomy is another. They entail:
Various Surgical Techniques
The type of technique your surgeon uses depends on several factors, including:
Ileostomy reversal is most often performed using one of the following techniques:
Contraindications
Even though your ileostomy was intended to be temporary, several reasons can interfere with your eligibility for this procedure (called contraindications). For one, the surgery is reserved for people who can regain adequate bowel control following the procedure.
Contraindications to an ileostomy reversal include the following characteristics:
Signs of a Problem With Your Stoma
Potential Risks
Generally, the reversal of an ileostomy is considered a shorter and more straightforward procedure than the ileostomy surgery. However, about 20% of people who undergo ileostomy reversal encounter postoperative complications.
Potential risks of ileostomy reversal include the following problems:
Understanding the Possible Risks and Complications of Surgery
Purpose of Ileostomy Reversal
The purpose of ileostomy reversal is to allow you to release the contents of your bowels naturally, without the need for a stoma bag.
A temporary ileostomy may be used in the management of conditions likediverticulitis,colorectal cancer, andinflammatory bowel disease. The temporary use of stomas can help reducesepticcomplications from anastomotic leaks and avoid the need for another surgery. Once the underlying acute medical condition has improved, the ileostomy reversal can proceed if you meet the physical criteria for the procedure.
Living With IleostomyYou must meet certain criteria to qualify for an ileostomy reversal. Know that even if you don’t meet the criteria and must retain an ileostomy permanently, many people live normal lives without a reversal of their ileostomy. While an ileostomy is regarded as major surgery, it does not affect your life expectancy.
Living With Ileostomy
You must meet certain criteria to qualify for an ileostomy reversal. Know that even if you don’t meet the criteria and must retain an ileostomy permanently, many people live normal lives without a reversal of their ileostomy. While an ileostomy is regarded as major surgery, it does not affect your life expectancy.
How to Prepare
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on preparing for your ileostomy reversal. You may also receive guidelines from the hospital or healthcare facility where your procedure is scheduled. Make sure that you understand what you have to do and clarify any questions or concerns you have before the day of surgery.
If you take daily medication, your surgeon will tell you which drugs you can continue taking before and which ones should be discontinued. Don’t use Bayer (aspirin), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve or Naprosyn (naproxen) or other drugs that affect blood clotting within a week of your surgery.
Discuss your alcohol use and smoking habits, if applicable, with your healthcare provider before surgery. These habits can affect you during and after surgery. Limiting your consumption of alcohol andquitting smokingbefore surgery can help you achieve better outcomes.
General guidelines for preparing for ileostomy reversal include the following rules for the day before surgery:
Important Questions to Ask Before You Have Surgery
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
An ileostomy reversal is performed as an inpatient procedure in a hospital or medical facility. It requires the use ofgeneral anesthesia. It takes about an hour to complete.
Before you go to the hospital, you will be directed to do the following:
When you arrive, you will change into a hospital gown. After meeting with a nurse andanesthesiologistbefore surgery, you will be taken into an operating room. An anesthesiologist will place anintravenous (IV)line in one of your veins. Anesthesia will be administered through the IV line to keep you asleep during the procedure.
An Overview of Surgery
Most people remain in the hospital for two to four days after an ileostomy reversal. Your specific treatment plan may vary based on other factors, including your overall health and the outcome of your surgical procedure.
When you awaken in the recovery room, you can expect the following:
Being approved for discharge from the hospital usually involves meeting the following requirements:
What to Expect When Recovering From Surgery
Upon your discharge from the hospital, you will receive information on what to expect during your long-term recovery. Your instructions will be specific to the procedure performed along with any unique considerations regarding your condition.
Generally, long-term care for an ileostomy reversal includes the following factors:
Incision Care
Your incision may be closed withSteri-Strips, glue, or staples. You will receive instructions on how to care for your incision before you are discharged from the hospital. In most cases, your dressing must be changed daily until the area heals.
As your incision heals, contact your physician if you notice any of the following changes at the site of your incision:
Physical Activity
While daily movement like walking or climbing stairs can help promote your recovery, you will likely have to follow the following restrictions for at least four weeks after your ileostomy closure:
Your healthcare provider will advise you when it’s safe to resume driving and return to work.
Exercises
You may be advised to perform the following types of exercises to help your body heal and avoid complications from your procedure:
When your bowel function resumes, you may experience irregular movements since you have not used the lower part of your colon in a while. Your bowel movements can include the following characteristics as your heal:
Nutrition
You will receive instructions on the foods most appropriate for your condition. You may have to change the diet you had before surgery to avoid diarrhea or other bowel irritation. You may be advised to do the following:
Conditions That Require Emergency Medical Care
Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following conditions during your postsurgical recovery from an ileostomy reversal:
Summary
An ileostomy reversal rejoins the two ends of your bowel that were cut after an ileostomy. The purpose of this surgery is to restore bowel function so you can relieve yourself naturally.
Not every ileostomy can be reversed. You must meet certain guidelines to be able to move fecal matter through your rectum before you can reverse the treatment. This often requires waiting up to 12 months after the first surgery so your body can heal. If you need treatment for cancer or other issues, you must complete that before your stoma is closed and before returning to normal bowel movements.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Colostomy/ileostomy.Liu Z, Wang G, Yang M, et al.Ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: functional end-to-end or end-to-side?World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014;12(1):306. doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-306Brandstetter S, Camargo M, Aiello A, et al.P091 stapled end-to-side vs. side-to-side anastomosis after ileocecectomy for crohn’s disease: a propensity score-matched analysis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(3):S62. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.152Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your ileostomy closure surgery.University of Washington Medical Center.Ileostomy or colostomy takedown.Weill Cornell Medical College.What to expect after ileostomy closure surgery.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Colostomy/ileostomy.Liu Z, Wang G, Yang M, et al.Ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: functional end-to-end or end-to-side?World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014;12(1):306. doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-306Brandstetter S, Camargo M, Aiello A, et al.P091 stapled end-to-side vs. side-to-side anastomosis after ileocecectomy for crohn’s disease: a propensity score-matched analysis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(3):S62. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.152Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your ileostomy closure surgery.University of Washington Medical Center.Ileostomy or colostomy takedown.Weill Cornell Medical College.What to expect after ileostomy closure surgery.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Colostomy/ileostomy.Liu Z, Wang G, Yang M, et al.Ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: functional end-to-end or end-to-side?World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014;12(1):306. doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-306Brandstetter S, Camargo M, Aiello A, et al.P091 stapled end-to-side vs. side-to-side anastomosis after ileocecectomy for crohn’s disease: a propensity score-matched analysis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(3):S62. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.152Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your ileostomy closure surgery.University of Washington Medical Center.Ileostomy or colostomy takedown.Weill Cornell Medical College.What to expect after ileostomy closure surgery.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital.Colostomy/ileostomy.
Liu Z, Wang G, Yang M, et al.Ileocolonic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: functional end-to-end or end-to-side?World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014;12(1):306. doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-306
Brandstetter S, Camargo M, Aiello A, et al.P091 stapled end-to-side vs. side-to-side anastomosis after ileocecectomy for crohn’s disease: a propensity score-matched analysis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156(3):S62. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.152
Sherman KL, Wexner SD.Considerations in stoma reversal.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2017 Jul;30(3):172-177. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1598157
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your ileostomy closure surgery.
University of Washington Medical Center.Ileostomy or colostomy takedown.
Weill Cornell Medical College.What to expect after ileostomy closure surgery.
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