This operation is a cure for ulcerative colitis. While it is not a cure for Crohn's disease, it can alleviate symptoms in patients who suffer from extensive disease of the colon and/or rectum. Generally, physicians try to avoid this procedure for people with Crohn's disease because of the possibility of disease recurrence.

For both diseases, ostomy surgery is necessary when:

·  Medications fail to relieve symptoms or cause harmful side effects

·  Life-threatening complications develop

Procedure:

·  First, the surgeon removes the diseased colon (colectomy). In some cases, the rectum also must be removed (proctocolectomy). Next, he creates an ileostomy: an opening (stoma) in the abdomen, through which the ileum (section of the small intestine that joins the colon) is rerouted. A disposable pouch, also known as an ostomy appliance, is attached to the stoma to collect waste.

The surgeon carefully considers where to place the stoma. Usually, it is positioned on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This location protects the stoma when the knee is flexed and makes the appliance inconspicuous.

After Surgery

Some patients may be concerned that ostomy surgery will dramatically alter their lives. In truth, people with ostomies usually enjoy active lives.

To help with the initial adjustment, patients can benefit from the expertise of an enterostomal therapy nurse (ETN). A registered nurse who specializes in ostomy care, an ETN can:

·  Teach proper ostomy care

·  Suggest suitable appliances

·  Help in the emotional adjustment to life with an ostomy

For more information about ostomies, please contact the United Ostomy Association (UOA) by clicking on this link or calling 800/826-0826.