When segments of the large or small intestine must be removed during a surgical procedure, an opening known as a stoma may be needed to allow waste to leave the body safely. These procedures are known as bowel diversion surgeries and may be performed during another operation to provide a long or short-term solution to eliminating solid waste after bowel surgery.
At Surgical Associates of Marshall County, our experienced surgeons can provide bowel diversion surgeries like colostomy and ileostomy in addition to surgery for bowel diseases, offering safe and comprehensive treatment for your condition.
Both forms of bowel diversion surgery are performed by creating a stoma. Stomas are formed by wrapping the end of the bowel over itself and stitching it to the exterior of the abdominal wall. A pouch is then placed outside the stoma to collect waste.
The nature of a bowel diversion surgery will depend on the size and location of the bowel segment removed during surgical treatment, as well as personal preference.
Colostomy and ileostomy, like all procedures at Surgical Associates of Marshall County, are performed with laparoscopic methods when possible. If another surgical procedure makes bowel diversion necessary, colostomy and ileostomy will likely be performed at the same time. General anesthesia will be used during bowel diversion surgery, ensuring that you remain asleep and pain-free.
Depending on the nature of your surgery and condition, colostomy and ileostomy may be temporary or permanent. Some only require short-term use of bowel diversion while the digestive system rests and heals. Others need it indefinitely.
The staff at Surgical Associates of Marshall County will provide you with all the information you need to care for and adjust to your colostomy or ileostomy. Some aspects of your lifestyle, like your diet and medication use may need to change to accommodate bowel diversion surgery. However, you will be able to return to your normal life regardless of whether bowel diversion is long or short-term.
To learn more about colostomy and ileostomy surgery, call us at 256-840-5547 for Albertville’s patients or 256-571-8374 for Guntersville’s patients.
