Colorectal Cancer Health Center

Laparoscopic Fecal Diversion

Recovery From Fecal Diversion

Hospital stays after fecal diversion average two to three days. You will be fitted with a pouch as soon as your surgery is complete. It will take a day or two for your digestive system to become active again. When it does start functioning, you will notice changes in the consistency of your stoma output.

While you are recovering, your enterostomal therapist (ET), a nurse specially trained in stoma care, will change your pouch for you. You will learn a lot about changing the pouch by watching the ET nurse. You also will be given instructions and coached through the process so you are able to care for the stoma when you return home.

You are bound to go through many psychological and physical adjustments after surgery. It will take time to cope with all of these changes and, at times, you may feel overwhelmed. Your ET nurse is a great resource. Do not hesitate to call him or her after surgery for support.