What exactly is an ileostomy reversal?

Reconnect intestine: This generally refers to the removal of an ileostomy (loop of intestine attached to the skin so stool can drain into a bag on the abdomen) and reconnection of the ileum to the colon or intestine( or in some cases creating an ileal pouch). It really depends on the exact circumstance of the ileostomy and what else was done.

Return to Normal: There are many conditions that require the intestinal contents to be temporarily diverted from a downstream area of disease; this is created by sewing a portion of the intestine (such as the ileum) upstream from the disease, to the skin of the abdominal wall, creating a "stoma". When the downstream disease has healed, we can reoperate to reverse the stoma, putting the intestine back together.