Most people are well enough to leave hospital 3 to 10 days after having colostomy reversal surgery. Its likely to take some time before your bowel movements return to normal. Some people have constipation or diarrhoea, but this usually gets better with time.
How long does colostomy reversal surgery take?
Colostomy reversal surgery time takes up to one or two hours if its just a straightforward standard operation. For some patients, the surgeon would recommend an open surgery, while others may opt for laparoscopic surgery instead. Open surgery takes longer to recover from due to the large incisions.
How do you prepare for a colostomy reversal?
You may be told to drink only clear liquids and to eat no solid foods for a few days before surgery. Clear liquids include water, broth, apple juice, or lemon-lime soft drinks. You may also suck on ice chips or eat gelatin.
Is colostomy a major surgery?
A colostomy is a major surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks of allergic reactions to anesthesia and excessive bleeding. Colostomy also carries these other risks: a blockage of the colostomy.
What are the side effects of a colostomy reversal?
Its common to have problems with how the bowel works after a stoma reversal. This is because part of the bowel has been removed. You may have symptoms such as loose stool, incontinence, sudden bowel urges, and pain. Other risks include infection in the belly and blockage or scar tissue in the bowel.
What can go wrong with a colostomy reversal?
There are also risks of colostomy reversal surgery itself including: Anastomotic leak—when the bowel joining doesnt heal properly and it leaks feces into the abdomen. Bowel blockage. Problems with urinating and sexual function.
What can I expect after a colostomy reversal?
Most people are well enough to leave hospital 3 to 10 days after having colostomy reversal surgery. Its likely to take some time before your bowel movements return to normal. Some people have constipation or diarrhoea, but this usually gets better with time.
Traces of blood in your stools, which is temporary; Sore skin around the anus. While your bowel is recovering from the surgery and hasnt yet settled into its new pattern, you will probably experience a period of adjustment similar to when you first had the stoma.
What can I eat after colostomy reversal?
Eating a Healthy DietProtein rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils and beans.Protein and calcium rich dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.Starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, pasta.Fruit and vegetables.Fat -if you are underweight fat is an important source of energy.
How much water should you drink with a colostomy?
Aim to drink 8 glasses/mugs of fluid a day (preferably water)