An ileostomy is where the small bowel (small intestine) is diverted through an opening in the tummy (abdomen). The opening is known as a stoma. A special bag is placed over the stoma to collect waste products that usually pass through the colon (large intestine) and out of the body through the rectum and back passage (anus). Ileostomy procedures are relatively common in the UK. Ileostomies are formed to either temporarily or permanently stop digestive waste passing through the full length of the small intestine or colon. There are a number of reasons why this may be necessary, including: Find out more about why ileostomy procedures are carried out Before an ileostomy is formed, you'll normally see a specialist stoma nurse to discuss exactly where you'd like your stoma to be (usually somewhere on the right-hand side of the abdomen) and to talk about living with a stoma. There are 2 main types of ileostomy: Alternatively, it's sometimes possible for an internal pouch to be created that's connected to your anus (ileo-anal pouch). This means there's no stoma and stools are passed out of your back passage in a similar way to normal. End ileostomies and ileo-anal pouches are usually permanent. Loop ileostomies are usually intended to be temporary and can be reversed during an operation at a later date. Read more about how an ileostomy is formed and reversing an ileostomy. You may need to stay in hospital for up to 2 weeks after an ileostomy operation. During this time you'll be taught how to look after your stoma by a specialist stoma nurse. Recovering from the procedure can be challenging. Many people experience short-term physical and psychological problems, ranging from skin irritation around the stoma to feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness. But with practise and support from a nurse with training in stoma care, many people adjust and often find their quality of life improves after surgery. This is especially true if they have been living with a condition like Crohn's disease for years. Read more about recovering from an ileostomy procedure and living with an ileostomy. As with any surgical procedure, having an ileostomy carries a risk of complications. Some of the problems people with an ileostomy experience include:
Find out more about the risks of having an ileostomy
Page last reviewed: 25 February 2019
There are three types of ostomies, or stomas, that are the most common. Learn what makes them different from each other. Learn about the three types of ostomies.There are different types of ostomies. The three most common ones are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Each ostomy procedure is done for different reasons. Although there are many similarities with these three ostomies, there are also important differences. Colostomy A colostomy is a surgically-created opening into the colon (large intestine) through the abdomen. Its purpose is to allow the stool to bypass a diseased or damaged part of the colon. The output from a colostomy includes liquid or formed stool (or somewhere in between), gas, and odor. Here are a few additional facts:
Ileostomy An ileostomy is a surgically created opening into the small intestine through the abdomen. With an ileostomy, a section of the small intestine and large intestine (colon) have been removed or bypassed. The output from an ileostomy after surgery is generally a steady liquid type of drainage. Over time though, the stool will become thicker and more paste-like. Here are some additional facts:
Urostomy A urostomy is a surgically-created opening to drain urine. A urostomy allows urine to flow out of the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. The output from a urostomy is urine and possibly some mucus. Here are a few additional facts:
What you should know about your ostomy type As you work with your healthcare team, you’ll learn more about living with your type of stoma, including how to establish a skin care routine, eat healthy, exercise, travel, and other important lifestyle tips. Browse related articles
A colostomy is an opening of the large bowel onto the surface of the tummy (abdomen). You wear a bag over the opening, to collect the waste matter from digestion that would normally be passed from the body as a bowel motion (stool). Some people with bowel cancer need to have a colostomy. Most of these will be temporary. They will be closed a few months later, when the bowel has fully healed. Women with vaginal cancer, or cervical cancer that has spread outside the womb, may need to have a big operation called a pelvic exenteration. This operation involves having a permanent colostomy. There might be other situations with other types of cancers where you need to have a colostomy. But it is not common. Why you might have an ileostomyYou might have a temporary ileostomy with surgery to remove part of the colon. This is to give your colon time to rest and heal after surgery. Your surgeon joins the ends of the colon back together in another operation. This is called a stoma reversal. Your surgeon will tell you when you are likely to have this operation. You might need a permanent ileostomy if your surgeon has to remove a large part of your colon and can’t join the remaining ends of colon together. Your surgeon will avoid this if at all possible. The stoma nurseStoma nurses are experienced in looking after stomas (ileostomies and colostomies) and teaching you how to look after them. A specialist nurse will visit you on the ward to show you what to do. For the first few days after your operation the stoma nurse will help you look after and clean the stoma, and change the bags. They will also help you to find which type of stoma bag is the best for you. The stoma nurse will see you on the day of the operation. They use a pen to mark where a stoma might be created. For the first few days after your operation the stoma nurse will help you look after and clean the stoma, and change the bags. They will also help you to find which type of stoma bag is the best for you. Your stoma nurse will give you stoma bags to take home. You get more from the chemist or a local stockist. Supplies are free, but you need a prescription from your GP. Looking after your stomaLearning to look after a stoma takes time and it can be worrying at first. But you won't be expected to cope on your own. You will find that it gets easier with time. It is helpful to keep everything you need to change your stoma bag together in one place. That way, you won't be half way through and realise that something vital is missing. Continence organisations and stoma suppliersContinence organisationsBladder and Bowel Foundation SATRA Innovation Park Rockingham Road Kettering Northants NN16 9JH Phone: 01536 533255 Nurse helpline: 0845 345 0165 Email: Website: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/ The Bladder and Bowel Foundation formed in 2008 from the former organisations Incontact and the Continence Foundation. It supports people living with bladder and bowel disorders.They have a confidential telephone helpline which is staffed by specialist continence nurses and physiotherapists. They can also give you information about stoma products. Has a 'Just can't wait' card to allow holders access to toilets in shops and pubs etc. Medical Advisory Service PO Box 3087 London W4 4ZP General Medical Helpline: 020 8994 9874 (Monday to Friday, 6pm to 8pm) The Medical Advisory Service offers information and advice on medical and health care matters. Suppliers of stoma appliancesCharter Care Delivered The Links Peterborough PE2 6BJ Phone: 0800 587 4047 or 03301 233188 from a mobile Delivers supplies of prescription colostomy and ileostomy equipment to people's homes. Convatec Ltd Stoma Customer Care Unit 20, First Avenue - Deeside Industrial Park Flintshire CH5 2NU Telephone for stoma care: 0800 282254 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) Email: Website: www.convatec.co.uk/stoma-care Delivers supplies of prescription colostomy and ileostomy equipment. Also gives information on all areas of stoma care. Has a helpline for anyone who has a stoma. Hollister Ltd Rectory Court 42 Broad Street Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1AB Phone: 0800 521377 (Customer Care team) A company that provides products for people with stomas. They have a delivery service for prescribed appliances. Ostomy Covers by Linda Linda Butler 2 Holmes Road Kirton End Boston Lincs PE20 1SP Phone: 01205 723327 Handcrafted covers made to fit every size of ostomy bag or pouch following surgery resulting in a stoma, for example ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy. The covers come in a wide range of fabrics and are specifically tailored to fit each individual stoma bag. Rusch UK Stirling Road Cressex Business Park High Wycombe HP12 3ST Phone: 01494 532761 Makers and suppliers of colostomy and ileostomy appliances and equipment. 08 Aug 2019 |