Things You May Want To Know About Colostomy Reversal

Colostomy reversal is a possibility in some cases. Doctors recommend colostomy surgery in case of severe intestinal disorders such as cancer or diverticulitis. This way, they can treat the condition and help improve the quality of the patient’s life. Some colostomies are permanent, while others can be reversed after the infected part of the colon heals.

The reversible colostomies are known as temporary colostomies. One of the types of temporary colostomy is the loop colostomy, which the surgeon creates by making an incision on a side of the colon and then connecting that incised portion to the stoma. A colostomy bag connects the stoma to collect the stool. The best thing about a loop colostomy is that it can be easily reversed after the lower part of the colon heals.

The reversibility of a colostomy depends on several factors. A colostomy and its reversal entail two major surgeries. So, the patient needs to be healthy enough to endure both of these surgical procedures. The patient shouldn’t have any major health condition that might prove to be a source of further complications after the colostomy reversal procedure. If a part of your colon was removed at the type of colostomy surgery, the reversal procedure will depend on how much of the colon is left. Moreover, your bowel and anal sphincter muscles should strong enough to handle bowel movements properly.

Generally, you will have to wait at least twelve months before the surgeon reverses your colostomy. If colostomy surgery was a part of the removal of cancer from your colon, you are going to have to wait until the cancer treatment completes.

Colostomy reversal process

With the use of flexible sigmoidoscopy, doctors examine the bowel to check whether the colon has healed enough to handle normal bowel movements. They may also use an enema to make sure there are no leaks.

Although this surgical process is not as intensive as the colostomy surgery, patients need to remain hospitalized for a few days after the surgery. They need to have just the liquid diet in the first few days.

At first, the passing of stool through the colon may result in pain or discomfort. That’s because the colon has been inactive for months. Eventually, patients gain control over their bowel functions with pelvic muscles regaining strength. These painful symptoms should subside within a few months.

Although the colon gets back to its function within a few days after the reversal surgery, patients should avoid the intake of large meals. They need to stick to the intake of low-fiber foods and more liquids.

Even if your reversal surgery has been successful and you are on the right track of getting back to your normal life, you need to be in regular contact with your ostomy care nurse to get proper guidance on how and when to bring changes to your lifestyle.