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In the past your intestine was made into a sort of pocket to store the intestine’s contents. This pocket has now been removed and replaced by an artificial anus.

Food is normally stored and broken down in the stomach. The food then passes through the small intestine to the large intestine. At the end of the large intestine is the rectum. The intestine’s contents are stored in the rectum and then excreted via the anus.

An artificially created pocket in the intestine aims to replace the storage function. This type of pocket is also known as a reservoir or a pouch. The intestine’s contents are collected in a pocket like this before they are moved further along.

This artificial pocket has now been removed. A small incision was also made in your abdominal wall. The end of your small intestine was then stitched to the hole. The intestinal waste comes out through this artificial outlet of the intestine. Your large intestine and your rectum have been removed. Your anus has been sewn shut.

You have had surgery involving a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy first involves making a small incision in the abdomen. A tube with a camera is pushed through this incision into the abdomen. This camera sends pictures of the inside of the abdomen to a screen. Tools such as forceps and scissors can be inserted through other small incisions in the abdomen.

Your abdomen was also opened by making a large incision through your skin.