Health Information
Proctocolectomy and Ileostomy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Surgery Overview
In proctocolectomy, the
Reference large intestine and rectum Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window are removed, leaving the lower end of the small
intestine (the ileum). The doctor sews the anus closed and makes a small
opening called a stoma in the skin of the lower abdomen. The surgical procedure
to create the stoma (or any other artificial opening) is called an
ostomy.
The ileum is connected to the stoma, creating an opening to the outside of the body. The surgery that creates the opening to the intestine is called an ileostomy.
Stool empties into a small plastic pouch called an ostomy bag that is applied to the skin around the stoma.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 8, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|
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