What is an an Ileostomy?

An ileostomy is the result of a surgical procedure that brings part of the small bowel, the ileum out through the abdominal wall to divert the normal flow of waste material. Waste material is now expelled via the stoma into an appliance worn on the abdomen instead of in the toilet. The ileostomy will normally be on the right hand side and slightly below the navel, though on occasion it may be resited to the left side. It will be moist and red and normally about the size of a fifty pence piece and may bleed when touched.

Surgery to form an ileostomy is normally performed as a result of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease or as a result of bowel or rectal cancer. The ileostomy may be a temporary measure while the site of surgery heals or it may be permanent depending on the circumstances.

There are two types of stoma, an end ileostomy is where the end of the ileum is brought out through the abdomen. A loop ileostomy is just as it sounds a loop of bowel is brought out through the abdomen, these are normally temporary as the bowel is still continuous and a future takedown of the stoma is normal. Loop ileostomies are generally thought to be much more difficult to deal with than end stomas although both will take a little getting used to. Specialist stoma care nurses will help advise on care of your stoma and the best way of dealing with problems. Loop ileostomies are often formed as part of the surgery to form an internal pouch.

If you have had or are considering surgery that will result in the formation of an ileostomy and would like to speak in confidence to somebody who has already had the surgery our Visiting Coordinator will be able to arrange this for you (see the Contacts Page for details), also your medical team should also be able to arrange similar.