Glossary of Ostomy Reversal Terms

Bidet

A bidet is a plumbing fixture or attachment that sprays water to cleanse your genital and anal areas after using the toilet, offering a more hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to toilet paper. It can range from a standalone basin next to the toilet to a modern, feature-rich seat or attachment that fits onto an existing toilet, often with adjustable warm water, heated seats, and warm air dryers.

Bidet are exceptionally useful for reversal patients as they allow for cleaning without wiping an often-tender part of the body. Use the bidet to wash the area clean, then pat – do not wipe – dry.

Bowel Function

The normal movement of stool through the intestine and out of the body. The goal of reversal is to restore normal bowel function.

Bowel Incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements, resulting in accidental leakage of stool. This can be a temporary or long-term complication after ostomy reversal, especially following a low rectal anastomosis.

Bowel Obstruction

A blockage that prevents food and waste from moving through the intestines. This is a potential, though uncommon, complication after an ostomy reversal.

Bristol Scale

Printable Chart

The Bristol Stool Scale (or Chart) is a medical tool that classifies human feces into seven types based on shape and consistency, helping doctors and patients understand bowel health, digestion speed, and potential issues like constipation (Types 1-2) or diarrhea (Types 5-7), with ideal stools being sausage-like and smooth (Types 3-4).

The Seven Types of Stool

• Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass) – Constipation.
• Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy – Constipation.
• Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface – Normal/Ideal.
• Type 4: Sausage or snake-like, smooth and soft – Normal/Ideal.
• Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (easy to pass) – Trending toward Diarrhea.
• Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy – Diarrhea.
• Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces – Diarrhea.
  

What it tells you

• Constipation: Types 1 & 2 mean stool stayed in the colon too long, absorbing too much water.
• Diarrhea: Types 6 & 7 mean stool moved too quickly through the colon, absorbing too little water.
• Healthy Digestion: Types 3 & 4 indicate good fiber, fluid intake, and transit time.

Uses

• Helps clinicians and patients communicate clearly about bowel habits.
• Aids in diagnosing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Monitors treatment effectiveness for bowel diseases.

Calmiseptine

Calmoseptine is a moisture barrier ointment used to treat and prevent minor skin irritations like diaper rash, incontinence-related skin issues, minor burns, cuts, and scrapes, by creating a protective layer that keeps moisture away while soothing with ingredients like zinc oxide, calamine, and menthol. It works by blocking irritants and providing relief from itching and discomfort, promoting healing by keeping the skin dry.

Clustering

Clustering is a common symptom after ostomy reversal surgery, where a patient has multiple bowel movements within a short period of time. This often occurs because the bowel has been reconnected through an anastomosis, and the rectum may have reduced capacity to store stool. As a result, the body may empty in several small, frequent episodes rather than one complete movement.

Clustering can be frustrating and disruptive, especially during the early stages of recovery. Management may include dietary adjustments, antidiarrheal medications, and pelvic floor therapy. Over time, many patients experience improvement as the bowel adapts and function becomes more predictable.

Closure (of Stoma)

The surgical procedure to take down or reverse a temporary ostomy, reconnecting the ends of the intestine that were previously separated.

Colitis

Colitis is the inflammation of the colon, or large intestine, which can be caused by infection, chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis, or other factors. Symptoms vary but often include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and a constant urge to have a bowel movement. More severe cases can lead to fever, dehydration, weight loss, and bloody stools.

Colon

The colon, or large intestine, is the final part of your digestive system, a long muscular tube that absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter, forming solid waste (stool) that’s then stored in the rectum for elimination from the body through the anus. It’s divided into ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections, working to process waste and maintain fluid balance.

Colostomy

An ostomy created from the large intestine (colon). Reversal involves reconnecting the colon to allow for defecation through the anus.

Distal Bowel

The section of the intestine below the ostomy, leading to the rectum and anus. After reversal, this section becomes functional again.

Diversion

Bowel diversion is a surgical procedure that reroutes intestinal waste, creating an opening (stoma) in the abdomen to allow stool to exit the body into an external pouch, used when part of the bowel is diseased, injured, or needs to heal, often called an ostomy (ileostomy or colostomy). It serves as a short or long-term solution for conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or blockages, by bringing a section of the small or large intestine to the skin’s surface, bypassing damaged areas.

Disuse/Diversion Colitis

Disuse colitis, more commonly known as Diversion Colitis, is inflammation in a segment of the colon that’s been diverted from the normal fecal stream due to surgery (like a colostomy or ileostomy) or gender affirmation surgery, often caused by lack of nutrients (like short-chain fatty acids) and changes in bacteria. While most patients are asymptomatic, symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucus/blood in stool, or rectal discharge, with treatment focusing on restoring fecal flow (surgery) or using anti-inflammatory enemas for non-surgical candidates, though it’s often difficult to treat medically.

Effluent

The output that comes from an ostomy, which can include stool, urine, or mucus, depending on the type of ostomy.

End Ostomy

A type of ostomy where the entire distal (non-functioning) part of the intestine is closed off (Hartmann’s procedure), and only the proximal, functioning end is brought out as a stoma. Reversal is known as a Hartmann’s reversal.

Fiber (Dietary)

Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods, a type of carbohydrate that passes through your system, aiding digestion, promoting fullness, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, fiber comes in two main types—soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (adds bulk)—both crucial for digestive and overall health.

GLP-1

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), commonly used for diabetes and weight management, are being explored as a potential option for patients with Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). These medications can slow gastric emptying and intestinal transit time, which may help reduce stool frequency and urgency—two common symptoms of LARS. By promoting more gradual movement through the digestive tract, GLP-1s may improve stool consistency and give patients better control.

While early experiences are promising, GLP-1s are not yet a standard treatment for LARS. Patients should discuss risks, benefits, and appropriateness with their healthcare provider before use.

Gut Health

Gut health refers to the balance and function of the digestive system, including the gut microbiome, digestion, immunity, and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and maintain overall well-being.

Hartmann’s Reversal

The complex procedure to reverse an end colostomy (Hartmann’s procedure), which involves mobilizing the closed-off distal rectum and performing a major anastomosis to reconnect the two ends.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. After ostomy reversal surgery, patients are at increased risk due to healing incisions. Avoiding heavy lifting, supporting the core, and following recovery guidelines is important to prevent complications and protect long-term abdominal strength.

Ileostomy

An ostomy created from the small intestine (ileum). Reversal involves reconnecting the ileum to the remainder of the large intestine or rectum.

Ileum

The ileum is the final section of the small intestine, located between the jejunum and the large intestine (colon). It plays a key role in digestion and nutrient absorption, especially for vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients not absorbed earlier in the small intestine.

The ileum also helps regulate the flow of digestive contents into the colon through a structure called the ileocecal valve. This valve prevents backflow from the large intestine and helps control how quickly material moves forward.

Ileus

A temporary lack of movement in the intestines after surgery, which can delay the return of normal bowel function.

Incision

The surgical cut made into the body. Post-reversal, there will be a new incision where the stoma was, and potentially a larger one if it was a complex reversal (e.g., Hartmann’s).

Intestine

The long, winding tube-like structure that extends from the stomach to the anus. It is divided into the small intestine and the large intestine (colon).

J Pouch

A J-pouch (also called an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or IPAA) is a surgically created internal reservoir made from the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. It is typically constructed for patients who have had their colon and rectum removed, most commonly due to conditions like ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis.

During the procedure, the surgeon folds the ileum back on itself in a “J” shape and connects it to the anus. This creates a pouch that can store stool, allowing a person to pass bowel movements more normally without needing a permanent ostomy bag.

A J-pouch helps restore a more natural route for waste, but bowel habits may still differ from before surgery. Patients often have more frequent bowel movements and may need time to adjust. Overall, it can significantly improve quality of life for many individuals who require colon removal.

LARS (Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome)

Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is bowel dysfunction after rectal surgery, causing urgency, frequent stools, clustering, and sometimes incontinence due to reduced rectal storage capacity.

See Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome page.

Loop Ostomy

A type of temporary ostomy where a loop of the intestine is brought to the abdominal surface and partially divided, creating two openings: one for active stool/effluent (proximal) and one for inactive mucus (distal). This is the most common type of ostomy that is reversed.

Mucous Fistula

An opening on the abdomen where the inactive, non-functional section of the intestine is brought to the surface to drain mucus. In an ostomy reversal, this is closed and reconnected to the active bowel.

Mobilization

The process of surgically freeing the intestine from surrounding tissues and scar tissue so that the ends can be brought together for anastomosis.

Ostomy

A surgically created opening, or stoma, on the abdomen that allows for the exit of body waste (feces or urine) into an external pouch or bag.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized physical therapy that strengthens and retrains the muscles that support bowel, bladder, and core function to improve control and coordination.

See Pelvic Floor Therapy page.

Perineal Wound

A wound or incision made in the perineum (area between the genitals and anus) if the rectum or anus was involved in the original or reversal surgery.

Peristalsis

The involuntary, wave-like muscle contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract. The return of normal peristalsis is a sign of successful bowel function post-reversal.

Prebiotic

A prebiotic is a type of dietary fiber that feeds and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping maintain a healthy digestive system.

Probiotic

A probiotic is a live beneficial bacteria that helps support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut and aids digestion and overall gut health.

Proximal Bowel

The section of the intestine above the ostomy, from which the effluent originates.

Radiation Proctitis

Radiation proctitis is inflammation of the rectum caused by radiation therapy, often for pelvic cancers, leading to symptoms like rectal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and urgency.

Rectum

The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, located just before the anus. It stores stool until it is ready to be passed out of the body during a bowel movement.

Reversal

An ostomy reversal is a surgical procedure that reconnects the bowel after a temporary ostomy, allowing waste to pass through the rectum and anus instead of a stoma.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic ostomy reversal is a minimally invasive surgical approach used to reconnect the bowel after a temporary ostomy. The procedure is performed using a robotic-assisted system (such as the da Vinci Surgical System), which allows the surgeon to control small instruments with enhanced precision, flexibility, and 3D visualization.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses robotic instruments to carefully mobilize the bowel, perform adhesiolysis (removal of scar tissue), and create an intestinal anastomosis to restore continuity. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic techniques often result in smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and potentially faster recovery.

Patients may benefit from less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities. However, not all patients are candidates, depending on prior surgeries, scar tissue, and overall health.

As with any procedure, outcomes depend on surgical expertise and individual factors, so discussing options with a colorectal surgeon is important.

Stoma

The visible part of an ostomy; the surgically created opening on the abdomen where a section of the intestine is brought through.

Stoma Site Hernia

A type of incisional hernia that develops at the site where the stoma was closed due to the compromised abdominal wall.

Stricture

An abnormal narrowing of a tubular body part, such as the intestine, which can occur at the site of the anastomosis and cause difficulty passing stool.

Takedown

Another term for ostomy reversal or closure, referring to the action of surgically removing the stoma and closing the opening in the abdomen.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding.