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Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy is surgery to remove all of the colon (part of the large intestine), rectum, and anus.

Description    Return to top

You will receive general anesthesia right before your surgery. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain.

For your proctocolectomy:

Next your surgeon will create an ileostomy:

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy surgery is done when other medical treatment does not help problems with your large intestine.

Many different problems may lead to the need for this surgery. Some of these are:

Risks    Return to top

Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy is usually safe. Your risk will depend on your general overall health. Ask your doctor about these possible complications:

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

Talk with your doctor or nurse about these things before you have surgery:

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

The day before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

You will be in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. You may have to stay longer if you had this surgery because of an emergency.

You may be given ice chips to ease your thirst on the same day as your surgery. By the next day, you will probably be allowed to drink clear liquids. Your doctor or nurse will slowly add thicker fluids and then soft foods as your bowels begin to work again. You may be eating a soft diet 2 days after your surgery.

While you are in the hospital, your nurse and doctor will teach you how to care for your ileostomy.

You will have an ileostomy pouch that is fitted for you. Drainage into your pouch will be constant. You will need to wear the pouch at all times.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most people who have total proctocolectomy with ileostomy are able to do most activities they were doing before their surgery. This includes most sports, travel, gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and most types of work.

If you have a chronic condition, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need ongoing medical treatment.

References    Return to top

Cima RR, Pemberton JH. Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 110.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.

Khatri VP, Asensio JA, eds. Subtotal colectomy/panproctocolectomy and j-pouch reconstruction. Operative Surgery Manual. 1st Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:chap 35.

Scriver G, Hyman N. Ileostomy construction. Operative Techniques in General Surgery. 2007;9(1): 43-49.

Update Date: 1/26/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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