Information for the public

There is not much good evidence about how well this procedure works. There are also serious but well-recognised safety concerns. This procedure can be used but only when patients are having regular checks to see how well it is working or if it has caused problems. This is because of the concerns about its long-term effects and serious complications.

When the large intestine (colon) and rectum are surgically removed, waste from the small intestine has to exit the body through an opening (stoma) created in the abdominal wall (an ileostomy). The waste is continuously collected in a bag worn over the stoma. In this procedure, a cut is made through the abdominal wall and a pouch is created on the inside of the wall using the last part of the small intestine (ileum). Waste collects in the pouch and is drained by inserting a tube (catheter) into the stoma, usually 2 or 3 times a day. It avoids the need for a bag on the outside of the abdomen to collect the waste.

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.

Is this procedure right for me?

If you’ve been offered this procedure, your healthcare professionals should discuss with you what is involved, and tell you about the risks and benefits. They should talk with you about your options, and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. All of this should happen before you agree (consent) to have the procedure. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Some questions to think about

  • What does the procedure involve?
  • What are the possible benefits? How likely am I to get them?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • What happens if the procedure doesn’t work or something goes wrong?
  • What happens if I don’t want the procedure? Are there other treatments available?

ISBN: 978-1-4731-3269-6


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