Closure of Loop Colostomy

This document will give you information about closure of loop colostomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your doctor or other relevant health professional.

What is closure of a loop colostomy?

A loop colostomy is a type of stoma (your bowel opening onto your skin) and was made with two ends of your large bowel (colon) (see figure 1). It was expected that this would be only temporary and that your bowel ends would be put back together. Your bowels will then open in the usual way.

What are the benefits of stoma reversal surgery?

You should be able to open your bowels in the normal way and you should no longer have a stoma bag.

What does the operation involve?

The closure of a loop colostomy is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 45 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a cut on your skin around the colostomy. They will free up the loops of colon used to make the colostomy. Your surgeon will join the two ends back together and place the loops back inside your abdominal cavity.

What complications can happen?

General complications

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring
Developing a hernia
Infection of the surgical site
Blood clots
Chest infection
Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications

Anastomotic leak
Bowel obstruction
Diarrhoea

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after three to five days.

You should feel strong enough to return to normal activities within a few weeks of going home.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery. You will be followed up as planned after your original operation.

Summary

Surgery to join the two ends of your large bowel back together should allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

If you would like to receive more information on Stoma Reversal Surgery at New Victoria Hospital, please call us on 020 8949 9020 or fill in our online form.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Jonathan Lund DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.