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2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow

In this Article

• What is bowel diversion surgery?
• Which parts of the gastrointestinal tract are affected by bowel diversion surgeries?
• What are the different types of bowel diversion surgery?
• Which bowel diversion surgery is appropriate?
• Concerns related to bowel diversion
• Bowel Diversion Surgery At A Glance
• Hope through research
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Bowel Diversion Surgery Ileostomy, Colostomy Index

Which bowel diversion surgery is appropriate?

The type, degree, and location of bowel damage, and personal preference, are all factors in determining which surgery is most appropriate. For example, people whose disease affects the ileum are poor candidates for ileoanal reservoir surgery or continent ileostomy because of the increased risk of disease recurrence and the need for pouch removal.

Discussing treatment options with a doctor and seeking the advice of an ostomy nursea (specialist who cares for people with bowel diversions)are highly recommended.

Concerns Related to Bowel Diversion

Although bowel diversion surgery can bring great relief, many people fear the practical, social, and psychological issues related to bowel diversion. An ostomy nurse is trained to help patients deal with these issues both before and after surgery. People living with an ostomy or who need bowel diversion surgery may also find useful advice and information through local or online support groups.

Bowel Diversion Surgery at A Glance

• Bowel diversion surgery allows stool to safely leave the body when (because of disease or injury) the large intestine is removed or needs time to heal.
• Bowel is a general term for any portion of the small or large intestine.
• The type, degree, and location of bowel damage, and personal preference, are all factors in determining which bowel diversion surgery is most appropriate.
• An ostomy nurse can help patients deal with the practical, social, and psychological issues related to bowel diversion.

Hope through Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports basic and clinical research into many digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and diverticular disease.

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

SOURCE:

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, National Institutes of Health. Bowel Diversion Surgeries: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy.
< http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ileostomy/index.htm>