Stoma Reversal
FAQ's about reversals
- What will happen to my bowel function after my stoma is reversed? How long will it take to settle?
Your bowel function will vary according to what surgery has been done, how much bowel is left and where the join is.
After stoma reversal surgery, it’s normal for your bowel function to be erratic and it can take several months to settle into a regular pattern. It’s also common to experience increased frequency, urgency and looser stools. Some people may experience some constipation.
- How soon will my bowels start to work after stoma reversal surgery?
Everyone’s bowels will behave differently following stoma reversal surgery. For some people their bowels will start working a few hours after surgery. For others they may have to wait a few days. It isn’t unusual to have an ‘ileus’: which is when the bowel goes to sleep after being handled following surgery. This often takes a few days to recover and start working. Generally, passing wind is the first sign that your bowels are working.
At first, when you start to open your bowels you may be unsure if it’s wind or stool, so some accidents may occur but wearing a pad can be helpful in the short term. Going to the toilet more frequently to open your bowels is common after stoma reversal surgery. To prevent soreness, it’s important to maintain good hygiene, and you can use barrier wipes/cream to help prevent this.
- Will I have to modify my diet?
Immediately after your surgery, it’s best to stick to the foods you know suited you when you had a stoma. Eating a lower fibre diet (limiting wholemeal/wholegrain foods/fruit/vegetables) will help your bowels to settle; too much fibre can overstimulate the bowels. To help firm up stool, you can try eating some starchy foods such as white bread, pasta, potatoes, or things that have gelatine in them such as jellies, marshmallows and jelly sweets (this is not advised if you are diabetic). You should then be able to gradually reintroduce all foods, however, you will find that some foods can have differing effects on your stool.
- How long will I have to stay in hospital?
This will be different for everyone and will depend on how you recover, but generally
between 3 - 5 days.
You will stay in hospital until your bowels are opening and are manageable for you. Medical teams will need to be happy that you are fit to go home.
- Are there any possible post-operative complications?
Your surgeon will discuss the risks involved with stoma reversal with you before your
surgery.
- Are there different types of stoma reversal surgery?
There are numerous operations to reverse stomas. Some involve various stages; your stoma
reversal surgery will depend on what type of stoma you have and your previous operations.
The option of reversal is not applicable to everyone with a stoma. Your surgeon and Stoma Care Nurse will be able to discuss the different stoma reversal surgeries with you.
- What happens to the stoma site after stoma reversal surgery?
Your old stoma site won’t be completely closed after surgery and it is normal to go home with a dressing where your stoma would have been. You may be referred to Community Nurse/Practice Nurse for ongoing management of this. It will likely take a few weeks to heal and you will be left with some scarring where the stoma was.
- What should I do with old stoma supplies?
Unfortunately, your supplier won’t be able to take back any of your stoma supplies, but you can send unused products to charity. Your local Stoma Care Nursing team may also be able to direct you where to send it.
- Will I need to take medication after my reversal surgery?
It’s likely that you will need some simple analgesia (painkillers) such as paracetamol for a
few days while you recover from your surgery.
You may need to take anti-diarrhoea medication to help manage your bowel function, but only if this doesn’t settle naturally with time and diet.