Pronounced: en-tuh-ROS-stuh-mee
This is surgery that involves the abdominal wall and intestines. An opening is made into the intestines to drain the contents out or put in a feeding tube. There are many different types of enterostomies. One example is a jejunostomy. This is when an opening is made in the jejunum, a section of the small intestines.
This surgery is done when a new exit for intestinal or fecal matter is needed. It may be needed when feces can no longer travel all the way through the bowels and out the anus.
An enterostomy may also be needed when food can no longer enter the mouth or stomach normally. In this case, a feeding tube will be placed to help food enter the intestines.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have enterostomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.
There are different ways this surgery can be done. In one technique, an intestinal sac for collecting fecal waste will be created inside of the abdomen. This sac will include a stoma (hole) in the abdominal wall. The stoma allows access to the sac so that it can be emptied (through a tube.) In another technique, the intestine will be directly attached to the abdominal wall so that an external bag can be attached to collect fecal waste.
If the surgery is done to place a feeding tube, an incision will be made in your abdominal wall. The doctor will grasp a section of your small intestine. A small opening will be made. The tube will be placed through this opening and secured in place with sutures. The tube will then be brought through your abdominal wall. It will be secured with sutures.
These procedures may be done by an:
You will have soreness and tenderness after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 2-4 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer, however, if complications arise.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html/
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/default.aspx/
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/index.html/
References:
Enterostomy. Health-Cares website. Available at: http://digestive-disorders.health-cares.net/enterostomy.php. Updated July 18, 2005. Accessed September 1, 2009.
Gastroenterology urology devices. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=876.5980. Published April 1, 2008. Accessed September 1, 2009.
Shellito PC, Malt RA. Tube gastrostomy. Techniques and complications. Ann Surg. 1985;201:180-185.
Torosian MH, Rombeau JL. Feeding by tube enterostomy. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1980;150:918-927.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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