What are the side effects of an ileostomy reversal?
It’s 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 happens after a loop ileostomy reversal?
Most people are well enough to leave hospital within 3 to 5 days of having ileostomy reversal surgery. While you recover, you may have diarrhoea and need to go to the toilet more often than normal. It can take a few weeks for these problems to settle.
How long does it take for an ileostomy reversal to heal?
The surgical incision itself may take 4–6 weeks to heal completely.
How long does pain last after ileostomy reversal?
Managing your pain
You may still have some pain when you go home and will probably be taking pain medication. The pain usually gets better within 1 to 2 weeks.
What is the most common postoperative complication after reversal of a loop ileostomy?
Although the mortality rate after the reversal of ileostomy is 0.1-4% [4,5,6], wound infection and small bowel obstruction remain the most common and irritating complications [6,7].
How do I get my bowels to move after ileostomy reversal?
Regaining bowel control after a stoma reversal
- Diet – you may find it easier to eat small, low fibre meals and gradually increase quantity and variety over time.
- Protect your skin – you may find it easier to use unfragranced wet wipes to clean up after each bowel movement.
Can you get a blockage after an ileostomy reversal?
What percentage of ileostomy reversal is successful?
Rates of stoma closure amongst patients with defunctioning ileostomies following anterior resection have been variably reported, from 68% to 75.1% [14, 15], and as high as 91.5% in one report [19]. Our study population demonstrates 75.7% reversal rate, which is within this range.
What can go wrong with a stoma reversal?
Complications of reversal surgery:
Anastomotic leak (the breakdown of the join in your bowel)- if this occurs you may be given antibiotics and may even have to have further surgery to form a temporary loop ileostomy, to rest the bowel and protect the join whilst it heals.
How long does it take to get over a stoma reversal?
The muscles that control your bowel action may also have been affected by the surgery. Therefore you may feel that you have lost the ability to control your bowels. Be patient, it will take time for your body and bowel to recover. It may take up to six months for your bowels to settle down.