Enteroenterostomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 23, 2025.
What do I need to know about enteroenterostomy?
Enteroenterostomy is surgery to connect one part of the small intestine to another.
 |
How do I 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.
Related medications
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 should I 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.
What are the 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.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.