Ileostomy and Colostomy Closure

What is an ileostomy and colostomy?

To re-establish normal bowel processes after your disease conditions are resolved or reversed, the stoma is freed from the abdominal wall and rejoined to the other end of the bowel so that faeces can pass normally through the gut and out through the anus.

Anaesthetic

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

• Deep bleeding in the abdominal cavity could occur and this may need fluid replacement or further surgery.
• The bowel closure may leak and infection develop and the bowel may open up or need to be re-opened and the stoma be reformed.
• Bowel motions may be initially frequent and loose. This is usually temporary.
• A weakness can occur in the wound with the development of a rupture.
• Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) may form and cause bowel obstruction. This can be a short term or a long term complication and may need further surgery.
• Healing of the wound may be abnormal. The wound can be thickened and red and the scar may be painful.
• Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis