What is Enterostomy?

This is surgery that involves the abdominal wall and intestines. An opening is made into the intestines to drain the contents out or put in a feeding tube. There are many different types of enterostomies. One example is a jejunostomy. This is when an opening is made in the jejunum, a section of the small intestines.

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This surgery is done when a new exit for intestinal or fecal matter is needed. It may be needed when feces can no longer travel all the way through the bowels and out the anus.

An enterostomy may also be needed when food can no longer enter the mouth or stomach normally. In this case, a feeding tube will be placed to help food enter the intestines.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have enterostomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Skin irritation around the stoma from leaking digestive fluids
• Diarrhea
• Intestinal obstruction
• Hernia at surgical site
• Blockage or leakage of the tube, requiring replacement
• Adverse reaction to the anesthesia

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Active infection
• Lung or heart disease

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of...