Bowel Diversion Surgery

Bowel Diversion Surgery is necessary for patients who are suffering from colorectal disease. The goal of this operation is to allow the stool to safely, and completely, leave the body, especially after previous work has been done on the large intestine as a result of injury or disease.

Dr. Elijah Mobley is an expert general surgeon who works with patients in San Dimas and throughout all of Los Angeles County. He specializes in minimally-invasive approaches to previously open surgery procedures, including the Bowel Diversion Surgery.

Bowel Diversion Surgery often serves as a treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

Colorectal Cancer
Crohn’s Disease
Bowel Obstruction
Trauma

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Diverticulitis
Ulcerative Colitis

There are many different types of bowel diversion procedures designed to address these specific conditions and diseases. Many of these procedures work on the colon itself, which is the organ in the body that removes water and salt from body waste before it exits the body. It’s the last stop on the digestive tract, and for the most part, the colon does not absorb any vitamins or nutrients into the body. However, it is known to help with the absorption of potassium, water and even some vitamins that are considered to be fat soluble.

Common Bowel Diversion Procedures

Ileostomy: This is the least complicated bowel diversion procedure and involves the insertion of an ostomy bag. This allows for semi-solid body waste to collect in the pouch, which must be emptied several times each day by the patient.
Colostomy: This procedure diverts the colon to a stoma, and requires an ostomy pouch to be inserted in the patient. Solid stool collects in this pouch and must be emptied by the patient.
Continent Ileostomy: This is an alternative procedure for patients who might need colorectal work done but do not want an ostomy pouch after the operation. This procedure involves the removal of the large intestine and the creation of a Kock pouch, which is drained daily by a tube.

Dr. Mobley will recommend different procedures for different patients, based on their own personal needs and preferences. Injury to the bowel and the extent of the disease are two major factors in choosing a particular Bowel Diversion Surgery procedure. Patients who think they will require Bowel Diversion Surgery should set up a consultation appointment, so they can talk about the medical benefits as well as the social solutions to this type of surgery.