Ileostomyandcolostomyare two types of ostomy surgery that treat diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system.
Both include the creation of astoma, by which a small piece of intestine is brought through the abdomen.
However, there are some significant differences between an ileostomy and a colostomy.
Lorenzo Capunata / Getty Images
Lorenzo Capunata / Getty Images
What Is an Ileostomy vs. Colostomy?
With anileostomy, a part of the small intestine is brought out through the abdomen.
A colostomy pops up if part of the colon is used to create a stoma.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Both procedures include the placement of a stoma bag, which is worn over the stoma to collect stool.
A stoma bag may also be called an ostomy appliance, a pouch, or a bag.
Any of these types of surgeries and their outcome is called an ostomy.
This includes ileostomy, colostomy, andurostomy(which involves the urinary tract).
This can be because of a problem with the colon.
When an ileostomy is temporary, another surgery might be done to restore the bowel, called a reversal.
If the colon is intact and heals, the ileostomy might be reversed.
This may occur in cases of some forms of cancer, obstructions, accidents, or injuries.
When the colon is removed entirely, the ileostomy may be permanent.
This is usually true for Crohn’s disease when treated with a colectomy and the placement of an ileostomy.
With FAP and ulcerative colitis, the ileostomy may be permanent or temporary.
Sometimes this is the person’s choice.
Other times, it is due to the location and activity of the disease.
With this, the end of the small bowel is attached to therectumor the anus.
When a temporary ileostomy is reversed, stool leaves the body again through the anus (the bottom).
After treatment or healing, a reversal to restore the colon might be possible.
They can help you understand the options and if there is a need for more surgery.
Procedures
Both ileostomy and colostomy surgery are major procedures.
They will include many steps in the lead-up to surgery and a hospital stay followed by recovery at home.
You will also need to understand how to care for a stoma and change theostomy bag.
An ileostomy can be temporary or permanent.
This jot down of ileostomy is surgically reversed once the bowel is functioning normally again.
A permanent ileostomy is done when part of the bowel is removed or damaged due to disease.
This punch in of ileostomy is not reversed later.
Healthcare providers should give you instructions on how to get back to regular activity and an expanded diet.
In colostomy surgery, a portion of the colon is brought through the abdomen to create a stoma.
The stoma is usually located at the top of the stomach or the lower left of the abdomen.
During the operation, parts of the large intestine might also be removed.
There are several different types of colostomies, which may be temporary or permanent.
Laparoscopic surgery usually means less time in the hospital and possibly a shorter recovery time overall.
Thepost-surgical periodwill involve learning about any needed diet changes and how to care for a stoma.
With an ileostomy, food waste is no longer passed through the colon.
The colon absorbs water and a few nutrients.
In bypassing that part of the intestinal tract, the stool will be more liquid.
It will also be more acidic than stool that goes through a colon.
There may be a high amount of stool leaving the body, especially in the first weeks after surgery.
An ileostomy bag will need to be emptied several times a day.
Stool may change with the foods eaten.
Your diet may affect smell, consistency, and color.
Stool through a stoma after a colostomy may be similar to what it was before the surgery.
It will be more formed.
However, it will depend on how high up the colostomy is placed.
The more colon the stool passes through, the more formed it will be.
People with a colostomy will not have any control over when stool leaves the body through the stoma.
However, the ostomy bag will generally need to be emptied fewer times a day than with an ileostomy.
Stool may change based on diet, but it may still be similar to having a colon.
Other Side Effects
You may have side effects after a colostomy or an ileostomy.
During thehospital stay, you are monitored for any adverse events from the surgery.
At first, the diet may be onlyclear liquids.
In the beginning, after surgery, some people may experience nausea or alack of appetite.
Advancing diet slowly may help in dealing with these symptoms.
Another part of life after ostomy surgery is the potential forbowel obstructions.
You should speak to your healthcare provider about how to avoid blockages and what to do if one occurs.
What Is the Difference Between a Stoma Bag and a Colostomy Bag?
A colostomy bag is for a colostomy specifically.
Some stomas are challenging.
The skin around it may have creases or wrinkles.
The stoma may protrude farther or be flush with the skin.
An ileostomy or colostomy bag should be emptied at regular intervals.
In the beginning, the size of the stoma will change as the swelling from the surgery subsides.
Ostomy surgery can be life-saving.
Summary
Ileostomy and colostomy are two types of surgery that treat conditions affecting the digestive system.
Stool is collected in a bag worn over the stoma.
The stoma may be temporary and reversed, or permanent.
The stool is more liquid and frequent with an ileostomy and more formed and less frequent with a colostomy.
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