What is an ileostomy?
This page is all about what an ileostomy is and what it means for you. We’ll walk through the basics so you feel informed and ready.
Understanding your ileostomy and what to expect
There are three types of stoma. A colostomy, urostomy and the one we are going to talk about here, an ileostomy.
An ileostomy is created by bringing a part of the small bowel called the ileum through a surgical opening on the abdomen. This diverts the waste into a pouch, which varies from liquid to a more porridge-like consistency.
Why you might need an ileostomy
An ileostomy can be required at any age and is needed as a solution for many different medical conditions including:
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Trauma
- Continence issues
- and many others.
1. What is an ostomy? page. United Ostomy Associations of America Web site. http://www.uoaa.org. Accessed December 10, 2015.
2. Evangelos M, M.D., Ph.D. • Rishabh S, M.B., B.Ch. • Susan D, B.A. Walter A. K, M.D. • David S, M.D. • Kevin McK, M.D. Lisa S. P, M.D. Readmission for Dehydration or Renal Failure After Ileostomy Creation. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2013; v:56; i:8; p:974-979