Pros and Cons of Colostomy Reversal

A stoma reversal is a surgical procedure that reconnects your intestines following an ileostomy or colostomy. A small incision is made in the tissue of your belly to make a passage for the bowel to be connected to an external line. A stoma is a term used to describe the opening. The stool is eliminated from your body through the stoma.

Ostomy surgery can be long-term or short-term. It is determined by the purpose of surgery. A stoma reversal is possible if a sufficient amount of healthy bowel remains to be reconnected. Certain health issues may necessitate the use of a temporary ostomy.

If all goes according to plan, a routine colostomy reversal surgery can be completed in one or two hours. The surgeon may recommend open surgery for certain patients, whereas laparoscopic surgery may be preferable for others. Because of the extensive incisions made during open surgery, it takes longer to heal.

Colostomy reversal is not typically regarded as a risky treatment, but it may take some time for the patient to become adapted to normal colon function. Discomfort following surgery is common, and it might continue for several weeks.

A low-fiber diet should be followed for several weeks, after which patients should gradually increase the amount of fiber in their diet again. Patients will be encouraged to consume a well-balanced diet that is rich in plant-based wholesome foods.

Generally, patients are discharged from the hospital between three to ten days after surgery. If the wounds are not treated properly, colostomy reversal recovery may take longer. Following the operation, it is necessary to rest and refrain from doing any heavy labor that may cause the scar to open or become infected.

Patients who have colostomy reversal surgery must be careful about what they eat afterward. This is to make sure that they don't strain their bowels. The wound will need to be gently dressed soon after the operation, therefore the patient is advised to stop getting it wet. The wounds can be cleaned with wet wipes, but the patient should avoid bathing or showering.

Bacteria can grow in your appendix, which could result in a life-threatening situation of appendicitis if it spreads. 

Pros and Cons of Colostomy Reversal

There may be a number of reasons why the surgeon who is taking care of you is really not willing to reverse your surgery, even though this is what everyone wants.

Regardless of the extent of the procedure, surgery always carries a degree of risk. Your doctor needs to be sure that you are healthy enough to have another surgery.

In order to avoid incontinence after reversal surgery, the colon and the anal sphincters that regulate bowel flow must both be functional. After your first stoma surgery, your caregiver or surgeon may have told you to do pelvic floor exercises. It will improve the pelvic muscles tone and strength.