How to Reverse a Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgical opening that is made through the abdomen to facilitate bowel movements from the large intestine, or colon directly into a pouch or bag instead of through the rectum. In some cases, a colostomy is temporary and may be reversed. Understanding how the procedure is reversed helps many individuals make the decision, in conjunction with a doctor, regarding the benefits or risks associated with the procedure.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule a visit with your doctor. He or she will ask you about your overall health and fitness and about any serious illnesses or disease processes, and the reason you needed the colostomy in the first place. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. He or she will decide if you are a candidate for a colostomy reversal.

• 2

  Ask your doctor about the anesthesia that will be used during the procedure and whether or not you can eat or drink before the surgery.

• 3

  Undergo the surgical process to reverse the colostomy. The surgeon will most likely enter the abdominal area via the scar from the original colostomy. He or she may use a laparoscopic technique. This technique consists of inserting into the abdominal incision a long, thin tube with a camera attached to the end. The camera takes images that allow the surgeon to view the surgical area on a television-like monitor. This method of surgery is called minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon will then cut around the colostomy in order to release the stoma from your abdominal wall. A re-attachment of the formerly sealed end of the bowel back onto connective bowel or tissues that lead to the rectum will be performed. The surgeon will then close the stoma opening with stitches.

• 4

  Follow instructions regarding diet and hydration to encourage the colon to function as normal. The medical staff will monitor your bowel urges and movements. In most cases, patients are discharged within a week following the surgical-reversal procedure.