About Ileostomy Closure
Key Highlights
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Restores normal digestive tract continuity and eliminates the need for an external stoma bag.Improves body image, quality of life, and psychological well-being for patients.Performed by specialized Surgical Gastroenterologists with expertise in intestinal surgery.Allows for a return to more natural bowel movements through the rectum.Modern techniques, including laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, may be used for potentially faster recovery.
Who is this surgery for?
- Successful healing of the initial condition that required the temporary ileostomy (e.g., Crohn's disease flare, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis).
- Adequate healing and integrity of the downstream colon and rectum, confirmed by imaging or endoscopy.
- Patient's overall health is stable enough to undergo major abdominal surgery.
- Strong patient desire to reverse the ileostomy and resume normal bowel function.
- Completion of adjuvant therapies (like chemotherapy) if the ileostomy was created for cancer surgery.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Imaging studies (like a contrast enema or CT scan) to evaluate the health and patency of the remaining colon.
- Bowel preparation may be required to empty the colon.
- Review and management of current medications, especially blood thinners.
- Pre-operative counseling to set realistic expectations about recovery and bowel function changes.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the surgery as instructed.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the reconnection site), which is a serious complication.
- Bowel obstruction due to scar tissue (adhesions) or internal hernia.
- Incisional hernia at the former stoma site or main surgical incision.
- Prolonged ileus (temporary paralysis of the intestines) delaying return of bowel function.
- Changes in bowel habits, including increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves monitoring for return of bowel function, pain management, and IV fluids.
- Diet is advanced slowly from clear liquids to solid foods as bowel function resumes.
- Incision and stoma site care instructions will be provided to prevent infection.
- Pain is managed with medications, and early, gentle mobilization is encouraged.
- Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and manage any new bowel patterns.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and stabilization of bowel function
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ileostomy closure in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ileostomy closure. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ileostomy closure compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 1,652 – USD 3,854 | 5-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and stabilization of bowel function | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 12,293 – USD 28,685 | 5-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 2-3 months for full recovery and stabilization of bowel function | Know More |
Anika Gupta, a 28-year-old junior architect,...
Anika Gupta, a 28-year-old junior architect, had her life upended by a severe flare of ulcerative colitis two years ago. Unresponsive to medication, she underwent emergency surgery resulting in a temporary ileostomy to allow her colon to heal. While grateful it saved her life, Anika struggled with the stoma bag, finding it incompatible with her active lifestyle, love of swimming, and the physical intimacy in her new relationship. Her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, monitored her for 18 months. After confirming sustained remission and full healing via colonoscopy, he recommended ileostomy closure, calling it the 'final step to getting your body back.' Anika's laparoscopic closure surgery went smoothly. The initial recovery involved managing a new incision and retraining her bowels, which were initially unpredictable. Within six weeks, she was back at work; within three months, she was hiking and had gone on a beach vacation. Emotionally, she moved from feeling self-conscious and restricted to profoundly liberated. Closing the loop, literally and figuratively, allowed her to reclaim her sense of self and youthful confidence.