Reversing An Ileostomy

An ileostomy is the opening in an ostomate’s abdomen where surgeons removed a part of the colon or rectum. The name comes from the part of the small intestine called the ileum.

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) has provided a great play-by-play guide for people preparing to have surgeons reverse their ileostomy, also known as performing ileostomy closure surgery. You can view the information HERE.

Before that surgery, it’s important for ostomates to let doctors know if they are taking blood thinners, prescription medications or dietary supplements. Doctors also need to know if the patient on which they’re planning to operate has problems with anesthesia or is allergic to materials like latex or is not willing to receive a blood transfusion.

Patients will have a small wound where their ileostomy used to be. This wound usually heals in about four to six weeks, according to the website.

MSK also recommends completing what is called a Healthcare Proxy form, a legal document that identifies the person with whom clinicians can speak or consult if the patient is unable to communicate for themselves.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.