Enteroenterostomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 23, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about enteroenterostomy:
Enteroenterostomy is surgery to connect one part of the small intestine to another.
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How to prepare for surgery:
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during surgery:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgery may be open or laparoscopic. Open means 1 large incision is made in your abdomen. Laparoscopic means several small incisions are made in your abdomen. Your surgeon will complete the surgery through these small incisions.
- Your surgeon will locate the areas of the small intestine that will be connected. Your surgeon will suture or staple the areas together and create an opening between them. The new connection may bypass a blockage or narrowed area. An area of the small intestine may also need to be resected (removed).
- Your surgeon will check for leaks in the intestines. The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples and covered with a bandage.
What to expect after enteroenterostomy:
- You will be taken to a recovery room until you wake up. Healthcare providers will monitor you for any problems. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight depending on your condition.
- A nasogastric (NG) tube may be put into your nose and down into your stomach. This depends on the reason for your surgery. The NG tube will be removed when your condition improves.
- Your surgeon will tell you when you can eat and drink. You may be given ice chips at first. Then you will get clear liquids such as water, broth, or juice. You will be told when you can start to eat soft foods.
Risks of enteroenterostomy:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. You may develop a blood clot. Your intestines or nearby organs may be injured during surgery. Your bowels may not work properly. The new connections in your small intestines could form scars, narrow areas, or leaks. Intestinal contents may leak into your abdomen, and you may need emergency surgery to fix this.
Related medications
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have trouble breathing, chest pain, or you cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have severe stomach pain, and your abdomen feels firm or bloated.
- You have a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C).
- Your stitches or staples come apart.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your incision site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You are constipated.
- You have nausea or you vomit.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be given to treat nausea, upset stomach, or gas or bloating.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the incision sites as directed:
Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area. Do not get the sites wet until your surgeon says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the sites. Just let water run over them. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over your incision sites. Check the area every day for signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or draining pus.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
You will need to come in to have your incision sites checked. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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