Having Bowel Surgery: Proctocolectomy with Permanent Ileostomy
This surgery is done to treat diseases of the digestive tract. It removes all of the large intestine. When healed, waste passes from the small intestine through a stoma in the wall of the abdomen and into a pouch outside of the body.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparation may begin a few weeks before surgery and can include the following:
-
If you smoke, try to quit.
-
Tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take. Ask whether you should stop any of them before surgery.
-
If you will have a stoma, a specially trained healthcare provider called an enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse will meet with you. The two of you will decide on the stoma’s placement.
-
If instructed, stop eating solid food a day or two before surgery. Switch to a diet of clear liquids such as broth.
-
You will receive instructions for bowel prep, which helps ensure that your digestive tract is ready for surgery.
-
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This includes water, gum, and breath mints.
-
If your doctor tells you to take medication the morning of surgery, swallow it with only small sips of water.
The Procedure
Risks and Complications
Bowel surgery has certain risks and possible complications. Your healthcare provider can discuss them with you. They may include:
|
Publication Source:
Fry RD, et al, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed., Inflammatory bowel disease, 2008, pp 1384-1388
Online Source:
Massachusettes General Hospital, Division of General Surgery
http://www.massgeneral.org/gensurg/pdf/colorectal_perspectives-III.pdf
Online Medical Reviewer:
Trahan, Katherine MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/1/2005
Date Last Modified:
10/14/2005