Stoma Reversal Operation

Stoma reversal

       Unlike the original stoma surgical procedure, the stoma reversal is a rather simple operation. Basically, it goes somewhat like this: the surgeon pries the stoma loose, opens the patient's abdomen and reassembles the intestine in its original shape. Theoretically, this poses no problems and the digestion process should begin anew immediately.

        Unfortunately, nothing goes as well in real life as it does in theory. Why? Well, firstly, the stoma reversal procedure is risky: the body might not recognize the old part of the intestine, the one that was unused for a while, as belonging to itself and it could attack it. Essentially, the patient suffers from organ rejection and that never goes well.

        Secondly, the stoma reversal procedure must be done at the exact moment when the attending physician believes that the disease has cleared the patient's body. Any sooner and the cancer could spread freely through the entire healthy tissue and the entire treatment has been for nothing. If it is done too late, there is the possibility that the healed tissue cannot be molded on the original part of the intestine due to structural modifications.

        However, all these things do not mean that a successful stoma reversal is impossible. It is considered highly difficult. Usually, it is preferred to avoid it, since the patient can live just as well with the stoma pouch as without it.