What is an Ileostomy?

An ileostomy is a surgical opening constructed by bringing the end or loop of small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin. Intestinal waste passes out of the ileostomy and is collected in an external pouching system which is adhered to the skin. Ileostomies are usually sited above the groin on the right hand side of the abdomen.

 Reasons for Having an Ileostomy

Ileostomies are necessary where injury or a surgical response to disease has rendered the large intestine incapable of safely processing intestinal waste, typically because the colon has been partially or wholly removed.

Diseases of the large intestine which may require surgical removal include Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis and total colonic Hirschsprung's disease. 
An ileostomy may also be necessary in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Living with an Ileostomy

People with ileostomies must use an ostomy pouch to collect intestinal waste. People with ileostomies typically use an open-ended (referred to as a "drainable") one- or two-piece pouch that is secured at the lower end with a leak-proof clip, or velcro fastener. The alternative is the less-preferred closed-end pouch that must be thrown away when full. Ordinarily the pouch must be emptied several times a day and changed every 2–5 days for the two-piece pouches. The one piece pouch must be changed every twenty-four hours.

Ostomy pouches fit close to the body and are usually not visible under regular clothing unless the wearer allows the pouch to become too full. It is essential to have the stoma measured regularly as it changes in shape after the initial surgery. The stomal- or colorectal-nurse does this initially for a patient and advises them on the exact size required for the bag (pouch)'s opening.

Some people find they must make adjustments to their diet after having an ileostomy. Tough or high-fiber foods (for example: potato skins, tomato skins, and raw vegetables) are hard to digest in the small intestine and may cause blockages or discomfort when passing through the stoma. Chewing food thoroughly can help to minimize such problems. Some people also find that certain foods cause annoying gas or diarrhea. Many foods can change the color of the intestinal output, causing alarm —Beetroot, for instance, produces a red output that may appear to be blood. This is a discoloration only. Nevertheless, people who have an ileostomy as treatment for inflammatory bowel disease typically find they can enjoy a more "normal" diet than they could before surgery.