Having Bowel Surgery: Continent Ileostomy

This surgery is done to treat diseases of the digestive tract. It removes all of your large intestine. During the surgery, an opening (called a stoma) is created in your belly or abdomen. When healed, waste collects in a pouch inside your body. It is then drained through a thin tube (catheter). A bandage covers the stoma when it’s not in use. 

There are 2 ways the surgery may be done:

• Open surgery. This is a traditional surgery. It is done through a large cut (incision).

• Laparoscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive surgery. It is done through small incisions.

Your healthcare provider can discuss which option will be best for you.

Getting ready for surgery

Follow any instructions about getting ready from your healthcare provider. Preparation may begin a few weeks before surgery and can include the following:

• If you smoke, try to quit.

• Tell your provider about any medicines you are taking. You may need to stop taking all or some of these before your surgery. This includes:

  • Prescription medicines

  • Aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines (NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

  • Blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants)

  • Street drugs

  • Herbs, vitamins, and other supplements

• If you drink alcohol, let your provider know how much you drink.  This is especially important if you are a heavy drinker.  Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening, so be honest with your provider.

• If you will have a stoma, a specially trained healthcare provider will meet with you. This provider will be called an enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse or a wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse. Together you will decide on the stoma’s placement. An ileostomy is usually placed in the right lower part of the belly. After the surgery, this nurse will see you and answer any questions you have. He or she will also teach you (and your family if you wish) about caring for the ostomy.

• Follow any directions you are given for taking medicine and for not eating or drinking before surgery. This includes any instructions for bowel prep.

The procedure

This surgery is done for people who don’t want to have a pouch outside of their body to collect waste. It may be done after a permanent ileostomy.

• A part of the small intestine is reshaped to form a pouch that holds waste inside the body.

• The internal pouch is connected to an opening in the belly wall to let waste leave the body.