What is a temporary stoma?

A stoma does not have to be forever. In some circumstances, a stoma can be moved back into place. In this blog post, you will find out what a temporary stoma is, under what conditions a stoma can be moved back and how this works.

Will I have a permanent or temporary stoma?

This decision very much depends on your underlying condition and is usually discussed prior to your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you whether you are likely to have a stoma after your operation, and whether it will be temporary or permanent.This decision is usually dependant on whether your bowels isn’t permanently damaged and just need a break, therefore giving you the opportunity for your stoma to be reversible.

The decision can be informed by your stoma care nurse, or for those who require emergency bowel surgery, this will be a decision made by your surgeon in a life saving scenario.

Can any type of stoma be temporary?

No – A urostomy, for example, is always a permanent stoma. Colostomies (large intestine) and ileostomies (small intestine) can, in certain circumstances, be removed back.

Types of temporary ileostomy

There are usually two different types of ileostomy surgery: a loop ileostomy and an end ileostomy.

End ileostomy

An end ileostomy involves removing the diseased section of bowel. The remaining part of the bowel is channelled to the outside via an artificially created opening in the abdominal wall. The stool is then excreted through the stoma opening and collected in a pouch system.

This type of stoma can be either temporary or permanent. If the diseased part of the bowel has been removed, the remaining part must be left to rest before the ends can be rejoined. However, this procedure can also be associated with risks, which the treating surgeon will of course discuss with you in detail. If the risks are too high, or if it is not possible to reattach the two parts, a permanent solution will be chosen.

Loop ileistomy

In contrast to the end ileostomy, two bowel openings are moved outwards via the abdominal wall. A part of the bowel is cut, but not completely separated. These two incision edges are moved to the outside and form the stoma openings. One opening represents the intestinal section. This is used to empty stool discharge. The other stoma opening forms the draining section of the bowel. This section is inactive and relieves the following section of bowel downstream of the stoma.

A loop ileostomy can be repositioned. The Replacement takes place after the healing process of the inactive section of the bowel or the stitches from previous surgical procedures.

If you would like to know more about ileostomy click here.

Why are temporary ileostomies formed?

An ileostomy is formed to treat several conditions. Some of these conditions involve surgery which can be reversed when you are fully recovered.

Conditions that might require surgery involving a temporary ileostomy:

Colorectal cancer

Diverticular disease

Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease

Familial adenomatous polyposis surgery

Congenital abnormalities

Colo-vaginal/colo-vesicle fistula

Conditions that might require a permanent ileostomy:

Crohn’s disease

Colonic motility dysfunction

Blocked, damaged, or ruptured large intestines

Types of temporary colostomy

There are also two types of colostomies: loop and end colostomy. In this case, the individual physical circumstances are also crucial for or against the decision of a temporary solution.

End colostomy

An end colostomy can be reversed but is usually designed to be permanent due to your condition being irreversible.

With an end colostomy, one end of the colon is pulled out through a cut in your tummy and stitched to the skin to create a stoma.

Loop colostomy

A loop colostomy is often used in acute scenarios.Just like a loop ileostomy, two stoma openings are created. One opening for active emptying of the bowel contents, the other to relieve the strained part of the colon. This type of stoma can be easily reversed by detaching the ends of the bowel from the abdominal wall, stitching them back together and moving them into the abdominal cavity – this way the bowel is fully intact and functions as normal as before.

If you would like to know more about colostomy click here.

Why are temporary colostomies formed?

Conditions which might require a loop or end colostomy:

Birth defect such as a blocked or missing anal opening, called an imperforate anus

Serious infection, such as diverticulitis (inflammation of little sac in the colon)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

Injury to the colon or rectum

Partial or colon cancer

Wounds or fistulas in the perineum.

Stoma reversal surgery

A temporary stoma can be reversed after several weeks to months once the bowel has had time to heal and recover.

Reversing a stoma involves re-joining the piece of bowel that is your stoma with either your rectum, If such a stoma reversal is an option for you, it is best to talk to your stoma care nurse or treating surgeon about it. They will give you comprehensive advice. If a reversal is not an objective for you, this is perfectly legitimate. In the case of a temporary stoma, you can decide for yourself whether you want to keep your stoma or not. For some people, a stoma means more enjoyment of life, freedom and light-heartedness.

More about ostomy surgery:

Dealing with stoma surgery anxiety

Stoma surgery recovery – How long will it take?

Support for every type of stoma

We understand that ostomy care is multifaceted and unique. Therefore, it is our essential mission to offer you the best possible support with our high-quality STOMOCUR® products.

Discover our wide range of stoma care products for every type of stoma – including colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. In addition, our product range provides a variety of special supply products especially for the youngest among us.

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