EnterostomyPronounced: en-tuh-ROS-stuh-mee
by
Diana Kohnle DefinitionThis 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.
Reasons for Procedure TOPThis surgery is done when a new exit for intestinal or stool is needed. It may be needed when stool 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 TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as: What to Expect TOPPrior to Procedure
AnesthesiaGeneral 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. Description of the Procedure TOPThere are different ways this surgery can be done. In one technique, an intestinal sac for collecting stool 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 stool. 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:
How Long Will It Take? TOP
How Much Will It Hurt? TOPAnesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications. Average Hospital Stay TOPThis 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. Post-procedure Care TOPAt the Hospital
Preventing InfectionDuring your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection such as:
At HomeYou will need to reduce activity during your recovery. It may take 1-2 months to completely heal. Other instructions may include:
Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca References:
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Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daus Mahnke, MD Last Updated: 5/7/2014 | |
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