Ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which the last part of the small intestine (ileum) is connected to the abdominal wall.
Some facts about Ileostomy:
- A surgical opening will be constructed by bringing the end or loop of small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin during Ileostomy.
- Usually, Ileostomies are sited above the groin on the right hand side of the abdomen.
- Ileostomy is usually done when a problem is causing the ileum to not work properly, or a disease is affecting that part of the colon and it needs to be removed.
- The end of the ileum is brought through this opening, usually on the lower right side of the abdomen to form a stoma.
- An ileostomy may only be needed for a short time as that part of the colon needs time to rest and heal from a problem or disease.
- However, an ileostomy may be needed permanently for disease, such as cancer, which is more serious.
Preparation for Ileostomy:
- Avoid eating and drinking anything eight hours before your surgery.
- You are allowed to drink a sip of water with your medications if needed.
- Any history of bleeding disorders or are taking any blood-thinning or anticoagulant medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting should be informed to your healthcare provider as you may be required to stop taking these medicines before your surgery.
- The possible complications and side effects, the risks, and what the operation involves will be discussed with you by your doctor.
- You might be given fluids through a drip intravenously, directly into a vein so that you don't get dehydrated.
Procedure for Ileostomy:
- The small intestine will be diverted through an opening called stoma in the tummy (abdomen).
- A special bag will be placed over the stoma to collect waste products that usually pass through the colon and out of the body through the rectum and back passage (anus).
- The best location and way to care for your stoma will be figured out by a Wound Ostomy Continence nurse (WOCN or WOC nurse) and the surgeon.
- There are two main types of ileostomy including loop ileostomy and end ileostomy.
- A loop of small intestine is pulled out through an incision in your abdomen, before being opened up and stitched to the skin to form a stoma in case of loop ileostomy.
- The ileum is separated from the colon and is brought out through the abdomen to form a stoma in case of end ileostomy.
- End ileostomies are usually permanent where as Loop ileostomies are usually temporary and can be reversed during an operation at a later date.
- You won't be able to control stool passing from the stoma as the stoma has no valve or shut-off muscle.
- The stoma itself is not a source of pain or discomfort as there are no nerve endings in the stoma.
- The colon and rectum are often removed as part of this surgery. But, sometimes, only part of the colon and rectum are removed.
- Waste no longer comes out of the body through the rectum and anus after the colon and rectum are removed or bypassed and digestive contents leave the body through the stoma.
- The drainage is collected in a pouch that sticks to the skin around the stoma and is fitted to you personally.
- The pouch is worn at all times and can be emptied as needed.
