Ileocecostomy

Ileocecostomy is a surgical operation in which an anastomosis is formed between the ileum and the cecum.

This operation is performed for various pathological conditions of the colon, such as complicated diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease. The purpose of the operation is to divert the patency of the small intestine, bypassing the affected areas of the large intestine.

With ileocecostomy, the wall of the ileum and cecum is dissected and an anastomosis is formed between them. This allows the contents of the small intestine to be drained directly into the cecum, bypassing the ascending and transverse colon.

Ileocecostomy can be either a temporary measure before more radical surgery or a final solution if it is impossible or impractical to remove the affected area of ​​the colon.

Ileocecostomy: Surgery to treat ileocecal insufficiency

Introduction:
Ileocecostomy is a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening between the last part of the small intestine, the ileum, and the first part of the large intestine, the cecum (caecum). This surgery may be necessary to treat a variety of medical conditions, including ileocecal insufficiency or other conditions that require changes to the digestive tract.

Description of the procedure:
Ileocecostomy is performed in the operating room using general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdominal wall to access the ileum and caecum. An artificial opening (stoma) is then created by connecting the ends of the ileum and caecum. The artificial opening may be temporary or permanent depending on the reason for which the surgery is performed. In the case of a temporary ileocecostomy, the stoma can be closed later with a second operation.

Indications:
Ileocecostomy surgery may be recommended for the following conditions:

1. Ileocecal insufficiency: This is a condition in which there is incomplete closure of the ileocecal valve, resulting in the backflow of colon contents into the small intestine. An ileocecostomy may be necessary to prevent reflux and relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

2. Colon disorders: Ileocecostomy may be recommended for a variety of colon conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), tumors, or polyps. In some cases, an ileocecostomy may be a temporary measure to relieve symptoms and allow bowel repair.

3. Trauma or damage to the intestine: For severe trauma or damage to the intestine, an ileocecostomy may be necessary to provide temporary or permanent diversion of intestinal contents.

Postoperative period:
After an ileocecostomy, patients may need some time to recover. In most cases, nutrition starts with liquid foods and then gradually progresses to a full-sized diet. Educating the patient about stoma care is also an important part of postoperative recovery. In the case of a temporary stoma, a second operation may be required later to close it.

Complications:
Like any surgical procedure, ileocecostomy can have risks and complications. Some of the possible complications include infection, bleeding, scar tissue around the stoma, incomplete healing of the wound, or loss of function of the stoma. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your surgeon before deciding to undergo an ileocecostomy.

Conclusion:
Ileocecostomy is a surgical procedure that may be necessary to treat various conditions associated with the ileum and caecum. Creating an artificial opening between these two segments can alter the digestive tract and relieve symptoms. Patients undergoing ileocecostomy should be informed about the possible risks and complications, and receive the necessary support and education to care for the stoma after surgery.