What Is Colostomy Closure Surgery (Colorectal Anastomosis)?
After wearing a colostomy bag for several days, weeks, or months, surgeons must remove the attachment so that their patients can resume normal waste removal through regular bowel movements. The process of closing up the colostomy opening is called colorectal anastomosis.
After administering general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision around the colostomy bag to free the bowel from the skin. The surgeon then reconnects the bowels, sealing off the opening. In some cases, the main wound has to be reopened to allow adequate reconnection of the bowels. If this is necessary, the patient usually remains hospitalized for 10 days. In cases where the wound is closed up right away, recovery time is usually 7 days or less.
While in the hospital for colostomy closure, patients may be on a drip. Their stomach contents usually drain into a separate plastic bag, and they may have difficulty in swallowing. The bladder drains freely with the help of a catheter.
The pain typically subsides 4 days post surgery, at which point the nurses remove the catheter from the bladder. Bowel movements typically resume within 24-48 hours, although the transit may be runny or loose for 7-10 days. The dressing on the wound is usually removed after 2 days, and most stitches are removed after approximately 8 days. Drainage tubes in the wound are sometimes left in place for 4 days post surgery. Bruising and swelling around the wound typically subsides within 2 to 3 days.
The patient requires plenty of rest for the first 2 weeks and can usually resume driving and sexual relations after approximately 3 weeks. Most patients return to light work in 6 weeks and heavy work within 8 to 12 weeks.
