Prior to Procedure

• Your doctor may do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Imaging tests
• Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.

Certain medications may cause complications during the procedure or recovery. These medications may need to be stopped up to one week before the procedure. Talk to your doctor before the procedure about all medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block pain and keep you asleep through the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

The exact steps will differ based on the specific reason for the surgery. Other work may need to be done before the ostomy is created. The surgery may be:

• Open—a larger incision is made in the abdominal wall so that the surgeon can view inside the abdomen
• Laparoscopic—a few small incisions are made that allow surgical instruments to pass into the abdominal cavity

An opening will be made through the muscle and skin of the abdominal wall.

If a section of the intestine has been removed, part of the remaining intestine will be pulled through the opening. The intestine end is secured outside the opening with sutures. This creates the stoma.

If the intestine remains intact, a section of the intestine will be placed next to the opening in the abdominal wall. Incisions will be made in the intestine wall to create an opening. The open area of the intestine will be pulled through the opening of the abdominal wall. The inner lying tissue of the intestine will create the stoma.

In both options the stoma is secured with sutures.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation.

How Long Will It Take?

How long the procedure takes depends on the reason you need to have the ostomy.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 3 days to 1 week depending on the reason for the procedure and your overall health. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer or if complications occur.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, you will be in a recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. Care for the remainder of your hospital stay may also include:

• Pain medications
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Medication to prevent blood clots
• Learning how to care for your ostomy, stoma, and pouch
• Receiving information about diet and activity

The hospital staff may ask you to:

• Walk often after surgery
• Suck on ice chips after your surgery.
• Start with clear fluids and slowly advance to a regular diet.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

• Washing their hands
• Wearing gloves or masks
• Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

• Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same
• Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
• Not allowing others to touch your incisions

At Home

It will take about 6-8 weeks for the stoma to fully heal. There will be some changes needed to care for your stoma and ostomy bag, but with practice it should not interfere with daily activities. Regular contact with your medical care team will make sure you are healing as expected and help manage any complications.