✦ BOWEL SURGERY · STOMA

Ileostomy

Q: Will the ileostomy be permanent?

Most loop ileostomies are temporary, reversed at 8–12 weeks. Permanent ileostomy is required when the entire colon and rectum are removed and pouch surgery is not suitable.

Q: Can I eat normally with an ileostomy?

Yes — most patients eat normally after adjustment. A dietitian advises on managing output and hydration in the early weeks.

Q: How is the ileostomy reversed?

Reversal is a planned operation at 8–12 weeks once imaging confirms anastomotic healing. Hospital stay is 2–3 days.

Surgical small bowel stoma diverting intestinal contents when the colon or rectum requires rest or has been removed.

90–150 Min TREATMENT DURATION

4–7 Days CARE SETTING

Open APPROACH

3–5 Weeks RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is Ileostomy?

An ileostomy is an opening from the small intestine through the abdominal wall, allowing intestinal contents to exit into an external pouch when the colon and rectum cannot be used. A loop ileostomy is typically temporary, created to protect a low anastomosis, and reversed at 8–12 weeks. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi creates ileostomies when required as part of complex bowel surgery. Dedicated stoma nurse support is provided pre- and post-operatively.

Suitable for patients requiring bowel diversion to protect a low colorectal or pouch-anal anastomosis, those with proctocolectomy planned in stages, or those with complex IBD or colorectal conditions.

How the Procedure Works

Stoma Site Marking

The stoma nurse marks the optimal position pre-operatively, avoiding skin folds, bony prominences, and the belt line.

Bowel Division

Ileum divided at the planned level. The end or loop brought through a trephine opening in the right iliac fossa of the abdominal wall.

Stoma Maturation

Bowel wall sutured to skin edges, creating a spout stoma for optimal appliance fitting and prevention of skin contact with effluent.

Appliance Fitting

Stoma appliance fitted in theatre immediately post-operatively. The stoma nurse provides full management guidance during the admission.

Education and Reversal

Full stoma education before discharge. Reversal planned at 8–12 weeks after anastomotic healing is confirmed by imaging.

Outcomes

90–150 MinTREATMENT DURATION

4–7 DaysCARE SETTING

OpenAPPROACH

3–5 WeeksRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Essential protection for low anastomoses — prevents catastrophic anastomotic leak
→Modern appliances are compact, odour-free, and discreet with minimal lifestyle impact
→Temporary loop ileostomies reversed at 8–12 weeks once healing is confirmed
→Dedicated stoma nurse support throughout hospital stay and at home

An ileostomy is not the end of a normal life — it is often the beginning of a healthier one. With the right guidance and modern appliances, our patients swim, travel, and live fully.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the ileostomy be permanent?+

Can I eat normally with an ileostomy?+

How is the ileostomy reversed?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tagore Grandhi and get a personalised treatment plan.

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