How to Say It: en-tuh-ROS-stuh-mee
by Amy Scholten, MPH
Enterostomy is surgery to create an opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall. It allows the intestine contents to drain. It may also be used to insert a feeding tube.
Reasons for Procedure
This surgery is done when a new opening is needed to empty the bowels.
It may also be needed when food can no longer enter the mouth or stomach normally. A feeding tube is inserted in the opening to provide nutrients.
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
The doctor will give general anesthesia. You will be asleep.
Description of the Procedure
An incision will be made in the abdomen. Next, the doctor will use one of these methods for the procedure:
In one method, an intestinal sac is made inside the abdomen. The sac is to collect stool. It will lead to a hole (stoma) in the outer abdomen called a stoma. From the stoma, the sac will be emptied through a tube.
In another method, the intestine is attached to a stoma in the outer abdomen. The stoma allows stool to leave the intestine. It collects in a pouch called an ostomy bag.
If the surgery is done to place a feeding tube, the doctor will make an opening in the small intestine. The tube will be placed through this opening. It will be held in place with stitches. The tube will then be brought through the outer abdomen. It will also be held in place with stitches.
These procedures may be done as an:
How Long Will It Take?
30 to 45 minutes. It may take longer if other repairs need to be made.
Will It Hurt?
Pain and swelling are common in the first week. Medicine and home care help.
Average Hospital Stay
The usual length of stay is 2 to 4 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.
At the Hospital
After the procedure, the staff may:
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection such as:
Recovery may take 1 to 2 months. Physical activity will be limited during this time.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
Colorectal surgery considerations. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/colorectal-surgery-considerations. Accessed January 13, 2021.
Tube enterostomy. Encyclopedia of Surgery website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 13, 2021.
What is an ileostomy? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/ostomies/ileostomy/what-is-ileostomy.html. Accessed January 13, 2021.
Xian H, Zhang Y. A descriptive, cross-sectional study among chinese patients to identify factors that affect psychosocial adjustment to an enterostomy. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2018 Jul;64(7):8-17.
Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 1/13/2021
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