Can a colostomy be reversed? A colostomy reversal is a surgery that is done after a colostomy patient has fully recovered. Some colostomies are permanent, and others are temporary. Doctors advise that patients can only have the colostomy reversal after they heal from the previous operation.

Can a permanent colostomy be reversed?

An end colostomy can also be reversed, but involves making a larger incision so the surgeon can locate and reattach the 2 sections of colon. It also takes longer to recover from this type of surgery and there's a greater risk of complications.

What is the success rate of colostomy reversal?

Previous studies have demonstrated rates of reversal of end colostomy from 35% to 69%,^{8,13,15,20,22} but most studies included mixed groups of patients, who may have undergone diversion for diverticulitis, cancer, and other indications.