Can you have your Colostomy / Ileostomy bag removed and be back to normal? (Ostomy Reversal)

Have you had a bag inserted into your abdomen due to a medical condition? This is called a stoma in medical terms. Living this way can be a bit uncomfortable and even a bit frustrating. The biggest question on many people's minds is, "Will I ever be able to go to the bathroom like I used to?" There is actually a good answer to that question. For many people, this temporary stoma can be reversed with another surgery (reversal surgery) and restored to a state where they can defecate normally. Let's talk about this in detail today.

Can everyone have this surgery?

This is a very important question. Your surgeon and you will decide together whether or not this stoma reversal surgery is right for you. There are several things to consider when making this decision.

• Your general health: Your body needs to be in good health to undergo this type of surgery and recover quickly after the surgery.
• The amount of rectum left after the original surgery: In order to reconnect the two ends of the intestine, there must be enough of the rectum left.
• Rectal muscle strength: The doctor will also check whether the muscles around your rectum are strong enough to provide the necessary force to expel stool.
• Your treatment plan: If you are undergoing treatment for a disease such as cancer, this reversal surgery will be postponed until all of that treatment (for example, chemotherapy) is complete.

Before this surgery, your doctor will examine you carefully and, if necessary, may recommend some exercises or physical therapy. These will help strengthen the muscles in your rectum and help you have a normal bowel movement soon after surgery.

What is the best time for surgery?

Generally, the best time to have this reversal surgery is about 3 months after your first surgery. However, there are cases where it can take up to a year. The reason for this is to give the internal wounds and swelling enough time to heal and the body to return to normal. Sometimes, there are people who have this surgery even after several years. So don't worry, you can talk to your doctor and decide the time that suits you best.

Colostomy & Ileostomy Reversal

In a colostomy, part of your large intestine (colon), and in an ileostomy, part of your small intestine (ileum), is removed through the skin of your abdomen to create a stoma. Although the methods for these two surgeries are slightly different, the basic concept is the same. That is, the two ends of the separated intestine are reconnected so that stool can pass through the normal path.

How the surgery is performed

1. Anesthesia: First, you will be given anesthesia. So you won't feel anything during the surgery, you will be completely asleep.

2. Bowel Release: Next, the surgeon will slowly release the part of your bowel that is attached to the skin of your abdomen.

3. Anastomosis: Then, the two ends of the separated intestine are brought back together and grafted. This is called an anastomosis in medical terms. This connection can be done using a special type of staples or by hand stitching.

4. Wound closure: After the intestine is connected from the inside, the stoma and surgical incisions are sutured closed.

This surgery usually takes about 2-4 hours , but if you have scar tissue or a hernia from previous surgeries, it may take longer.

Possible complications and risks after surgery

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications that can occur. However, these can often be managed. Colostomy reversals are considered to have a slightly higher risk of complications than ileostomy reversals.

If you smoke , stopping or reducing your smoking before surgery can greatly help reduce the risk of wound infection.

Recovery time and things to follow at home

After surgery, you will usually stay in the hospital for 3 to 10 days . You will be sent home once you are able to eat solid foods and your bowel function has returned to normal.

What to expect after returning home

Your bowel movements may change a little in the beginning. Don't worry, this is normal.

• Watery or loose stools: At first, the stools may be a little watery.
• Going to the bathroom more often: You may need to go to the bathroom several times a day.
• Urgency: You may feel the need to go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to defecate.
• Feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowels: Even after going to the toilet, you may feel like your bowels haven't completely emptied.

Most of these symptoms gradually decrease and return to normal over time.

Diet

You need to be especially careful about your diet during your recovery.

• Low-fiber diet: In the first few weeks, your doctor will advise you to eat a diet that is easy to digest and low in fiber.
• Small meals: It is better to eat 5-6 small meals a day rather than 3 large meals a day.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water and other fluids (like juices) throughout the day. This is very important for bowel function.
• Stop these things for a while:
• Oily, fatty, and spicy foods.
• Foods that fill the stomach with air, like cabbage, onions, and beans.
• Fizzy drinks, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.

Exercise and activities

You may feel a little tired after you get home, so get plenty of rest.

• Light exercise: Start light exercise, such as walking, only after your doctor gives you permission.
• Avoid lifting weights: Do not lift any heavy objects for a month or more.
• Driving: Avoid driving for a while. Ask your doctor for permission before starting all this again.

It usually takes about 6-8 weeks to fully recover. During this time, it is very important to be patient and follow the doctor's instructions.