Diversion colitis is an inflammatory condition developing in the remaining colorectal part of the large bowel, when the portion above it is diverted to an opening in the abdominal wall by surgical procedures like ileostomy or colostomy.

Diversion colitis starts within a year of the diversion surgery and results in mucus discharge and bleeding from rectum.

Ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which the last part of the small intestine called ileum is surgically attached to an opening created on the wall of the abdomen for excretion. In colostomy, part of the large intestine is connected to the abdominal opening created. Both theses surgical procedures are usually done as part of the treatment for various diseases affecting the intestines. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, cancers of the intestines, diverticulitis, intestinal obstructions, ruptures, and perforations, are some of the reasons for the partial or complete removal of intestines. Injuries caused to the intestines also may require surgical diversion. Sometimes, ileostomy or colostomy may be temporary measures for diverting the passage of stool, till the diverted upper portion can be reattached to the remaining colorectal part.

The colorectal part left intact may get inflamed in about one third of cases, resulting in diversion colitis characterized by mucus discharge and bleeding from the rectum, often accompanied by pain. This inflammatory condition usually develops within a year following the diversion procedure. The symptoms are usually mild and may not require treatment. Surgical reattachment of the upper and lower parts of the intestines effectively resolves both the inflammation and the symptoms, in addition to restoring normal bowel movements.

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Yasser Elnahas

MD, PHD, Professor Of CardioVascular Surgery

Dr. Yasser Elnahas, Is an associate Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery. Dr. Elnahas was trained as a fellow At Texas Heart Institute And Mayo Clinic Foundation.Dr. Elnahas is dedicated to educating the general public about different disease conditions and simplifying the medical knowledge in an easy to understand terminology.

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