If you or someone you love has been living with an ileostomy, the possibility of having it reversed is likely something you have thought about often. Ileostomy reversal surgery — also called stoma reversal or ileostomy closure — is a procedure that reconnects your small intestine so stool can pass through your body naturally again. It can feel like a huge milestone, but it also comes with real questions and, understandably, some anxiety.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: who qualifies, how to prepare, what happens during the operation, a realistic week-by-week recovery timeline, potential complications, dietary adjustments, and the emotional side of the journey. We have drawn on clinical guidance from the NHS, the Cleveland Clinic, and published surgical literature to make sure every detail is accurate — but written in a way that actually makes sense to a real person, not just a surgeon.
An ileostomy reversal (medical term: ileostomy closure or restoration of intestinal continuity) is a surgical procedure that takes down a previously created ileostomy. During the original ileostomy surgery, the end of the small intestine (ileum) was brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma, allowing waste to exit into an external pouch. In the reversal, the surgeon disconnects the stoma from the skin, reconnects the two ends of the intestine, and closes the wound in the abdomen.
Most ileostomies are created as temporary measures — for example, to protect a surgical join (anastomosis) further downstream while it heals after surgery for bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or trauma. Once the underlying condition has resolved or the downstream repair has healed, the ileostomy can typically be reversed.
Not every ileostomy is reversible. Understanding the difference between a loop ileostomy and an end ileostomy matters here, because loop ileostomies are generally easier to reverse than end ileostomies, though both can be candidates for closure.
Your surgical team will assess several factors before giving you the go-ahead. Generally, you may be a candidate for stoma reversal if:
The typical timeline is 3 to 12 months after the original ileostomy, though it varies considerably. Some people wait longer, and that is perfectly normal. Your surgeon will let you know when the timing is right for you.
Preparation starts weeks before your operation date. Here is what to expect:
You will typically be asked to stop eating solid food the evening before surgery and to drink only clear fluids until a few hours before your arrival time. Follow your hospital's specific fasting instructions carefully.
Ileostomy reversal surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, though more complex cases can take longer.
There are two main approaches:
The reconnection itself (anastomosis) can be done as a side-to-side, end-to-end, or end-to-side join. Your surgeon will choose the technique that suits your anatomy best.
Most patients spend 3 to 7 days in hospital after ileostomy reversal. During this time, your team will monitor your bowel function, manage pain, and make sure you are tolerating food and fluids before sending you home. NHS enhanced-recovery programmes aim for discharge in as little as 2 to 3 days.
Recovery from ileostomy reversal surgery is a gradual process. Everyone heals at their own pace, but here is a general guide to what you can expect.
A stoma support belt may be helpful in the early weeks to support the wound site and provide comfort, especially during movement.
What you eat plays a significant role in your recovery. Your bowel needs time to recalibrate, and certain foods can help — or hinder — the process.
Stick to foods that are easy to digest:
Start adding foods back one at a time so you can identify anything that causes problems:
For a more detailed look at what to eat and avoid, our stoma diet guide covers nutritional strategies for bowel health.
Like all surgery, ileostomy reversal carries risks. Published data suggests complication rates range from 10% to 20% for loop ileostomy closures, with higher rates for more complex end-ileostomy reversals. Knowing what to look for helps you seek help quickly if needed.
If you want to read about complications in greater depth, our article on stoma reversal surgery problems covers the most common issues and how they are managed.
After discharge, contact your surgical team or ring NHS 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:
Do not wait for symptoms to "get better on their own." Early intervention prevents small problems from becoming big ones. In an emergency, always ring 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
This is the part most medical websites skip, but it matters enormously. Getting your ileostomy reversed is a big life change — even when it is the outcome you have been hoping for.
Talk to your stoma care nurse, join a support community such as Colostomy UK or the Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association, or ask your GP for a referral to a counsellor if the emotional weight feels heavy. You are not overreacting — this is a real adjustment.
The good news: ileostomy reversal surgery has high success rates. Studies show that approximately 80% to 90% of patients who undergo temporary loop ileostomy closure achieve satisfactory bowel function within 12 months. The success rate is influenced by factors such as:
A small percentage of patients (around 3–10%) may eventually require re-creation of the stoma due to complications or poor functional outcomes. This is uncommon but important to be aware of as part of informed decision-making.
For most people, life after ileostomy reversal means a gradual return to normality — but with a new kind of normal. Here is what to expect in the months that follow:
Many patients describe the reversal as the final chapter in their surgical journey. It takes patience, but most people are glad they went through it.
The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours under general anaesthesia, though more complex cases involving extensive adhesions can take longer. Your surgeon will give you a more specific estimate based on your individual situation.
It is considered a moderate surgical procedure. While it is less extensive than the original surgery that created the ileostomy, it still involves general anaesthesia and reconnecting the bowel, so it carries real surgical risks and requires a proper recovery period.
Hospital stays typically last 3 to 7 days. Most people return to desk jobs within 4 to 6 weeks and to physically demanding work within 8 to 12 weeks. Full bowel adaptation can take 6 to 12 months, and in some cases up to 18 months.
Initially, stools are very loose and frequent (6 to 12 times per day). Over weeks and months, they become more formed and less frequent. By 6 to 12 months, most patients have 2 to 4 bowel movements per day with a soft to normal consistency.
Yes, eventually. In the first 2 weeks, a low-residue diet is recommended. Foods are gradually reintroduced over the following weeks. By 2 to 3 months, most people can eat a regular diet with some individual adjustments. Staying hydrated is especially important.
The most common complications include wound infection (up to 15–18%), prolonged ileus (slow bowel restart), and dehydration from high stool output. Serious complications like anastomotic leak (1–4%) or bowel obstruction (3–8%) are less frequent but require urgent medical attention.
True faecal incontinence is uncommon after ileostomy reversal, especially if pre-operative testing confirmed adequate sphincter function. Some urgency (needing to go quickly) is normal in the first weeks to months and typically improves as the bowel adapts.
In approximately 3% to 10% of cases, the reversal does not achieve satisfactory results and a new stoma may need to be created. Risk factors include Crohn's disease, prior radiotherapy, and poor sphincter function. Your surgeon will discuss your personal risk before the operation.
Reversal is most commonly performed 3 to 12 months after the original surgery, once the downstream bowel has fully healed. The exact timing depends on your underlying condition, whether you needed chemotherapy, and your overall recovery. Some patients wait longer, and the ileostomy can often still be reversed years later.
Yes. The old stoma site will leave a scar, typically circular and 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Some surgeons close the wound with stitches (primary closure), while others leave it to heal naturally from the inside out (secondary intention healing), which can take 4 to 8 weeks but may result in a lower infection rate.
This article was reviewed for medical accuracy and updated in April 2026. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your surgical team or GP for guidance specific to your situation.
Sources: NHS — Ileostomy Reversal, Cleveland Clinic — Ileostomy Reversal.
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