Laparoscopic Fecal Diversion

Medically Reviewed by Carmelita Swiner, MD on December 15, 2021
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
4 min read

Fecal diversion refers to the creation of an ileostomy or colostomy. An ileostomy is an opening between the surface of the skin and the small intestine, while a colostomy is an opening between the surface of the skin and the colon. This opening is called a stoma. Fecal diversion is used to treat:

  • Complex rectal or anal problems (especially infections)
  • Colon cancer
  • Poor control of the bowels (incontinence)

The stoma can measure from 1 to 1 1/2 inches around. Unlike your anus, the stoma has no sphincter muscle (the muscles that control bowel movements), so most people cannot control the exit of waste. You will need to wear a pouch (ostomy collecting device) at all times to collect the waste flow.

Stomas can be permanent or temporary. A temporary stoma may be made when a diseased section of bowel is removed, rejoined, and needs time to heal. Once the reconnection site (anastomosis) has healed, the stoma can be removed. If the anus and rectum have been removed, the stoma must be permanent.

The term "laparoscopic" refers to a type of surgery called laparoscopy. Laparoscopy allows the surgeon to perform the procedure through very small, "keyhole" incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a small lighted tube with an attached camera, is placed through an incision that may be near the bellybutton. Images taken by the laparoscope will be projected onto video monitors placed near the operating table.

A laparoscopic fecal diversion requires only a few incisions. The first incision will be made at the intended site of the stoma. A second incision will be made opposite this area and will be used to place the laparoscope. In some cases, additional incisions will be made so that more of the large intestine can be reached.

There are two main types of stomas: the end stoma and the loop stoma.

An end stoma can be made in the ileum (end of the small intestine, called "end ileostomy") or colon ("end colostomy"). First, a small disk of skin will be removed from the stoma site. Next, your surgeon will bring 1-2 inches of healthy bowel up through the abdominal wall to skin level. If you are having a colostomy, the end of the intestine will be stitched to your skin. If you are having an ileostomy, the small intestine will be stitched to your skin. The abdominal cavity will be carefully inspected and the incisions will be stitched closed.

A loop stoma can be made in the ileum ("loop ileostomy") or colon ("loop colostomy"). A loop stoma often is made when the stoma will be temporary. However, not all loop stomas are temporary.

To make the loop stoma, a small loop of intestine will be brought up through the abdominal wall to skin level. A plastic rod will be passed underneath the loop to keep the new stoma in place. The loop will be cut half way through to make the site for the bowel opening. Each open end of the bowel created by this cut will appear as two openings in the stoma. If you are having a loop colostomy, the end of the intestine will be stitched to your skin. If you are having a loop ileostomy, the loop will be turned back on itself like a small cuff and then stitched just below your skin. The abdominal cavity will be carefully inspected and the incisions will be stitched closed. The rod will be removed several days after surgery.

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 them after surgery for support.