Open Colostomy Reversal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about open colostomy reversal:

Open colostomy reversal is done to reconnect your intestines and remove the stoma.

How to prepare for your surgery:

• You may need tests to help your surgeon find any problems with your intestines. The tests may include a barium enema.
• Follow the directions your surgeon gives you to prepare your bowels for surgery. You may be told to drink only clear liquids and to eat no solid foods for a few days before surgery. Clear liquids include water, broth, apple juice, or lemon-lime soft drinks. You may also suck on ice chips or eat gelatin. You may need to drink a special fluid or take medicine to empty your bowels the day before your surgery.
• You may need to check into the hospital the night before your surgery. You may be given medicine or an enema to help empty your bowels.
• If you are not admitted, your surgeon will give instructions. You may be told not to eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.

What will happen during your surgery:

• You will be given anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free during your surgery. You may get antibiotics before your surgery to help prevent an infection caused by bacteria. You may also get antibiotics during and after your surgery.
• Your surgeon will make an incision in the middle of your abdomen and around your colostomy. He or she may cut along the same incision that was used when you received a colostomy. Your surgeon will cut away your stoma from the skin. He or she will reconnect the cut ends to the rest of your colon with staples or stitches.
• Your surgeon may put 1 or 2 drains under the skin near your surgery area to help it heal. The drains will be removed when the area stops draining fluid. The cut in the middle of your abdomen will be stitched or stapled closed. The area where your stoma was may be stitched or stapled closed. The area may also be left open to heal. If it is left open, it will be filled with gauze. Bandages will be placed over the surgical area to keep it dry and to help prevent infection.

What to expect after your surgery:

• You will be monitored until you are fully awake. Then you will be taken to your hospital room.
• You may have a tube that goes into your nose and is guided down to your stomach. This tube helps keep your stomach empty while your bowels start to work again after surgery.
• Healthcare providers will help you walk around to help your bowels start working and to prevent blood clots. You will walk several times each day while you are in the hospital.

Risks of open colostomy reversal:

• You may bleed more than expected during or after your surgery. Your ureters, bladder, or bowels may be damaged during the surgery. You may develop an infection. Your healthcare provider may not be able to reconnect your colon. If this happens, you will need to keep your colostomy. Your colon may leak or pull apart. Contents of your bowel can leak into your abdomen. This can cause a life-threatening infection.
• Your intestines may become narrow or blocked after surgery. You could develop a painful hernia months or years after surgery. You may need another surgery to fix these problems. You may develop a blood clot in your leg or arm. This can cause pain and swelling, and it can stop blood from flowing where it needs to go in your body. The blood clot can break loose and travel to your brain or lungs. This can become life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Seek care immediately if:

• You have severe pain in your abdomen.
• Your abdomen becomes swollen and hard.
• Your vomit or bowel movements are black or have blood in them.
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Call your surgeon or ostomy specialist if:

• You have a fever of 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher.
• You are not able to have a bowel movement for 3 days.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your surgery area is red, warm, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Surgical area and bandage care:

Check the area for signs of infection daily. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, foul smell, pain, and pus. Change your bandage if it gets wet or dirty and as directed by your healthcare provider.

Self-care:

• Use adult incontinence briefs. As your bowel function gets back to normal, you may have accidents. Your bowel movements may be more liquid.
• You may need a barrier cream to keep your anus from getting irritated from wiping. Clean your anus with warm water after each bowel movement. Reapply barrier cream after cleaning. Do not use baby wipes or powder. These can cause more irritation.
• Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks or as directed. Do not bend or twist. This will help your surgery area heal and decrease your risk for a hernia.
• Do not drive until your healthcare provider says it is okay.

Do not smoke:

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel damage. Blood vessel damage can keep your surgery area from healing properly. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Nutrition after surgery:

• Do not eat late at night. You may have bowel movements through the night. Your digestive system needs time to work properly.
• Eat a variety of high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. High-fiber foods include cooked beans, fruits, vegetables, and some cereals. Ask your healthcare provider how much fiber you should have.
• Avoid or limit foods that can irritate your digestive system. These foods include spicy and fatty foods, and citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. Also avoid foods that cause gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Beans, eggs, and fish may also cause gas. Limit alcohol and carbonated drinks, such as soft drinks.
• Drink liquids as directed to prevent constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps move bowel movements through your colon. It also helps prevent blood clots. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.

Follow up with your surgeon or ostomy specialist as directed:

You may need more tests to make sure your colon is healing properly. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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