What is a temporary stoma?

Whether a stoma is temporary depends on many reasons. The length of time a person will have a stoma will vary from individual to individual. Some people have their stoma reversed after a few weeks, some a few months and others occasionally later. This is best discussed with your Stomal Therapy Nurse or your doctor.

An example of a temporary stoma may be when there has been some bowel resection, and the stoma is used to divert the stool flow away from the area while it's healing.

A temporary stoma is often a loop stoma where the stoma has two openings. This is constructed to be easily closed when the bowel has healed after surgery.

A radiological examination may be conducted following the closure of the temporary stoma to assess for proper healing, obstruction or leakage. 

After the closure of the stoma.

Some people may experience loose stools after the stoma is reversed. This will often settle down in time.

Loose stools can cause skin problems and make the area around the anus very sore. Just as you would protect the peristomal skin, you need to protect the skin around the anus. Where possible, rinse or bathe the area after each bowel action and apply a protective barrier cream. Alternatively baby wipes can be used to cleanse the skin. Again, apply a barrier cream after each bowel action.

Recovery from stoma reversal.

Recovery from  stoma reversal surgery is generally faster than recovery from the original stoma surgery. There may be swelling of the intestine where the loop stoma has been closed. This is normal, however, it may cause nausea, vomiting and cramping. These symptoms usually settle in their own time, until then your doctor may advise you to avoid food and / or fluids until your gut starts working normally again. Fluid will be given to you through an intravenous drip during this time.

The reason for your temporary stoma will impact the length of your recovery time after the reversal surgery. You may need to follow a special diet, or limit some foods, after the reversal surgery while your body recovers. Seek advice from your Stomal Therapy Nurse, dietitian and surgeon.