Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

This is surgery of the abdominal wall and intestines. An opening is made into the intestines to drain the contents out or put in a feeding tube.

The Intestines

The Intestines
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Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done when a new exit for intestinal or fecal matter is needed. It may be needed when feces can no longer travel through the bowels and out the anus.

An enterostomy may also be needed when food can no longer enter the mouth or stomach normally. In this case, a feeding tube will be placed to help food enter the intestines.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have enterostomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • Bleeding or clotting disorders
  • Active infection
  • Lung or heart disease

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect

  • Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin
    • Blood thinners
    • Anti-platelet medication
  • Your intestines will be cleaned with a special solution.
  • Your doctor will talk to you about the physical and emotional difficulties that you will face after this surgery.

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.

There are different ways this surgery can be done. In one technique, an intestinal sac for collecting fecal waste is created inside of the abdomen. This sac will include a hole called a stoma in the abdominal wall. The stoma allows access to the sac so that it can be emptied through a tube. In another technique, the intestine is directly attached to the abdominal wall so that an external bag can be attached to collect fecal waste.

If the surgery is done to place a feeding tube, an incision will be made in your abdominal wall. The doctor will grasp a section of your small intestine. A small opening will be made. The tube will be placed through this opening and secured in place with sutures. The tube will then be brought through your abdominal wall. It will be secured with sutures.

These procedures may be done by an:

  • 30-45 minutes to insert the tube
  • 2-4 hours if sections of the intestine need to be removed

You will have soreness and tenderness after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 2-4 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications occur.

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • You will need to practice good skin care of the area around the stoma. This will help to prevent infection.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .
  • You will need to rest for 1-2 months.
  • You will be taught how to care for the stoma site and change the ostomy bag if you have one.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.