Surgery Overview
In
proctocolectomy, the
large intestine and rectum 
are removed, leaving the lower end of the small
intestine (the ileum). The doctor sews the anus closed and makes a small
opening called a stoma in the skin of the lower abdomen. The surgical procedure
to create the stoma (or any other artificial opening) is called an
ostomy.
The ileum is connected to the stoma, creating an opening
to the outside of the body. The surgery that creates the opening to the
intestine is called an ileostomy.
Stool empties into a small
plastic pouch called an ostomy bag that is applied to the skin around the
stoma. You have to empty the bag several times a day.
What To Expect After Surgery
You may stay in the hospital for
several days or as long as 2 weeks after surgery, depending on the severity of
the
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
How Well It Works
This surgery cures ulcerative
colitis.
Risks
The main complications of ileostomy involve
infection and problems with the opening to the abdomen (stoma). The following
complications may occur:1
- Up to 30% of people develop
infection.
- Small bowel obstruction occurs in 15% of
people.
- A problem with the stoma develops in up to 30% of
people.
- Between 20% and 25% of people need another surgery to
repair the stoma.
What To Think About
It is important to learn how to
care for and use your ostomy.
Bowel disease: Caring for your ostomy
About 1.5 million people in the United States have
ostomies. People with ulcerative colitis are more likely to need an ostomy than
people with Crohn's disease.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you prepare for this surgery.
References
Citations
Cima RR, Pemberton JH (2006). Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp.
2549-2561. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | October 9, 2008 |
Cima RR, Pemberton JH (2006). Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp.
2549-2561. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
