Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy is surgery to remove all of the colon (part of the large intestine), rectum, and anus.

You will receive general anesthesia right before your surgery. This will make you unconscious and unable to feel pain.

For your proctocolectomy:

• Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) about 6 inches long in your lower belly.
• Then your surgeon will remove your large intestine and rectum.
• Your surgeon may also look at your lymph nodes and may remove some of them, if needed.

Next your surgeon will create an ileostomy:

• Your surgeon will make a small incision in your belly. Usually this incision is made in the lower right part of your belly.
• The end of your ileum (the last part of your small intestine) will be brought through this small incision. Your surgeon will sew your ileum onto your belly.
• This opening in your belly formed by your ileum is called the stoma. Stool will come out of the stoma and collect in a drainage bag that will be attached to you.

Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy surgery is done when other medical treatment does not help problems with your large intestine.

Many different problems may lead to the need for this surgery. Some of these are:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) is the most common.
• Colon or rectum cancer
• A condition called familial polyposis
• Birth defects that have damaged your intestines
• Accident or injury that has damaged your intestines