What is closure of a loop colostomy?

A loop colostomy was made at your original operation to divert the contents of your bowel into your stoma bag. It was expected that this would be only temporary and that your bowel ends would be put back together.

Your bowels will then open in the usual way.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should be able to open your bowels in the normal way and you should no longer have a stoma bag.

What will happen if I decide not to have the operation?

Your bowel will continue to open onto your skin, and you will need to carry on using a stoma bag.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut on your skin around the colostomy. They will free up the loops of colon used to make the colostomy. Your surgeon will join the two ends back together and place the joined bowel back inside your abdominal cavity.

What complications can happen?

The healthcare team will try to reduce the risk of complications.

Any numbers which relate to risk are from studies of people who have had this operation. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you. Some risks are higher if you are older, obese, you are a smoker or have other health problems. These health problems include diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

Some complications can be serious and may even cause death.

General complications of any operation

• Bleeding during or after the operation.
• Developing a hernia in the scar.
• Infection of the surgical site (wound).
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis – DVT).
• Blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolus), if a blood clot moves through your bloodstream to your lungs.
• Chest infection. Your risk will be lower if you have stopped smoking and you are free of COVID-19. (coronavirus) symptoms for at least 7 weeks before the operation.
• Difficulty passing urine. You may need a catheter (tube) in your bladder for 1 to 2 days.

Specific complications of this operation

• Anastomotic leak. This is a serious complication. You will often need another operation.
• Bowel obstruction. This usually settles but you may need another operation.
• Diarrhoea.
• Developing an abnormal connection (fistula) between your bowel and your skin.

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• unsightly scarring of your skin

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after 1 to 3 days.

You should feel strong enough to return to normal activities within a few weeks of going home.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery. You will be followed up as planned after your original operation.

Summary

Surgery to join the two ends of your large bowel back together should allow you to open your bowels in the normal way. You will no longer need a stoma bag.

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