Anorectal
Stoma Reversal Checklist
Dr. Tamer Rushdy ElalfyPatient source: From Clinic to Recovery
This is general education. Always follow the instructions from your treating team for your operation and health.
Use this list with the Stoma Reversal guide. Tick each box when it is done, and bring the list with you on the day of surgery.
Weeks before your surgery
- ☐ My surgeon has confirmed that now is the right time
- ☐ I have had the test of the bowel join (contrast X-ray or camera test)
- ☐ I have had my blood tests, ECG, and anaesthesia visit
- ☐ My medicines have been reviewed; I know which ones to stop and when (I do not stop any myself)
- ☐ I have stopped smoking
- ☐ I have started my pelvic floor exercises: 10 squeezes, 3 times a day
- ☐ I am drinking enough, and my stoma skin is healthy
- ☐ I have read the consent form and written down my questions
- ☐ I have arranged transport, and someone to help me at home in the first week
- ☐ I have arranged time off work (about 4 weeks for desk work; 6 weeks or longer for physical work)
Two or three days before
- ☐ I have confirmed my arrival time with the hospital
- ☐ I am still doing my pelvic floor exercises
- ☐ I have loose underwear, a barrier cream, soft wipes, and a fibre supplement if my team advised it
- ☐ I have packed my bag: medicines list, stoma supplies, comfortable loose clothes, and my test results
Night before surgery
- ☐ I have showered, and cleaned the stoma area and belly button thoroughly
- ☐ Stop eating 6 hours before your operation (8 hours after a heavy or fatty meal). You may drink clear fluids such as water until 2 hours before, unless the hospital tells you otherwise.
- ☐ I have taken only the medicines I was told to take
- ☐ Arrive at the hospital at the time given to you by the hospital or your surgeon.
Day of surgery
- ☐ I have brought my ID, medicines list, and stoma supplies
- ☐ I have told the nurse about any allergy, fever, or cold
- ☐ I know who will collect me after the operation
Before going home
- ☐ I am passing wind, and I am eating and drinking
- ☐ I am walking
- ☐ I understand my wound care and dressing plan
- ☐ I know which painkillers to take, and how often
- ☐ I know whether I need Clexane injections, and for how long
- ☐ I have my follow-up appointment (usually 5–7 days)
- ☐ I have the hospital phone number from my discharge papers
At home, every day
- ☐ Short walks several times a day
- ☐ Pelvic floor exercises, once my surgeon says I can restart
- ☐ Drinking fluids through the day, and eating small frequent meals
- ☐ Gentle cleaning of the skin around the back passage, and a barrier cream
- ☐ Checking myself for the warning signs below
Call your surgeon or go to ER if you have
- Fever above 38°C
- Worsening or severe abdominal pain, or a swollen abdomen
- Repeated vomiting, or no wind or stool together with a swollen abdomen (go to the emergency room)
- Redness, pus, or bleeding at the wound
- Very frequent watery stool with dizziness or very little urine
- Swelling or pain in a calf, chest pain, or shortness of breath (go to the emergency room)
This education file is issued by Mohammed Al-Dossary Hospital – Alkhobar, General Surgery Department.
Full guide written by Dr. Tamer Elalfy