Ileostomy Reversal Surgery
The procedure ileostomy reversal is considered to be bizarre for others and this can also be very challenging in medicine. This procedure made a big debate because some of the patients experienced a lot of inconvenient symptoms after the procedure.
In general, ileostomy is permanent which means that it is irreversible. Patients who undergone this procedure usually have colon or rectal cancer and the tract is cut short to remove the cancerous part to prevent its spread. This implies that the digestive tract cannot be restored completely.
With patients who are able to complete an ileostomy reversal procedure, still, results vary. Reported complications range from rashes, skin erosion and bleeding. After a successful ileostomy reversal, the digestive system goes through a lot of adjustment. This means that diarrhea may happen for approximately one month after the operation.
Another fall about ileostomy reversal is that, it success rate are very few. However, if successful, it enables the digestive tract to function normally, eliminating the problems associated with it and of course, the ileostomy bag.
For the knowledge of every reader, ileostomy is putting an end on the ileum part of the small intestine and connecting it on the surface of the abdmomen. The opening created is called stoma. Ileostomy is performed for a lot of intestinal and gastric problems including cancer. Ileostomy reversal is getting rid of the ileostomy created giving a chance for the digestive tract to restore its function.
Experiences brought about ileostomy reversal:
Frequent Bowel Movements
Bowel movement is restored when the small intestine is reconnected to the colon. The small intestine does not fully recover from the alteration but it functions enough. The first few days post surgery is very crucial, stools are usually watery and sudden. Bowel movements can reach up to thirty times a day or more. After another week or so, the bowel movement declines to approximately half of the activity from the first week and over months or years, urgency and frequency may decline and may have four to eight comfortable and convenient movements.
Incontinence
According to the “The World Journal of Gastroenterology”, approximately 60 per cent of ileostomy reversal clients experiences incontinence. Incontinence is the loss of ability to control bowel movement. Good thing this is only experienced for the first three months post surgery and usually happens when the client is asleep. A stable and successful ileostomy reversal leaves only 3 per cent of clients with incontinence post recovery. When incontinence is prolonged, a permanent ileostomy is again established.
Obstruction
From the “International Journal of Colorectal Disease”, obstruction means a complication. Stat surgery may be done. Signs of obstruction in ileostomy reversal are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, bloating of the abdomen and abdominal waves are present. Partial obstructions may heal by themselves but a complete obstruction is a life threatening one.
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Ileostomy reversal Infection
When fecal leaks occur, the client is risk for infection. Fever and abdominal pain are signs of infection. This may lead to systemic infection that needs an immediate action.
Ileostomy reversal can give either a better quality of life or additional problems to a client. Consulting an expert specialist helps in weighing things out. On top of it all, when a decision is made in pursuing the procedure, ileostomy reversal patients need a physical and emotional support from their significant others. Elderly patients are most likely to skip this procedure as they may not withstand the said procedure. Patience and a positive feeling about the ileostomy reversal make it easier to bear.
