Anappliance(called a bag or a pouch) is worn over the stoma to collect stool.
An ileostomy might be needed when there are problems with the large intestine (colon) or the anus.
In some cases, an ileostomy is permanent, and in others, it is temporary.
BSIP / Contributor / Getty Images
BSIP / Contributor / Getty Images
Who Might Need an Ileostomy?
In still another circumstance, the ileostomy is used as a step between other surgeries.
Anileostomy is not a colostomy.
With acolostomy, part of the large intestine is used to make the stoma.
This might also be called an end ileostomy or a Brooke ileostomy.
It is collected in a bag (sometimes also called a pouch) worn over the stoma.
Thestool tends to be looserthan it was before the surgery.
The stoma bag is emptied several times a day.
The ileostomy is permanent when there is no plan or ability to reverse it.
Or, there is no possibility of those areas healing.
Temporary Ileostomy
A temporary ileostomy isreversible.
That means the stoma will be removed, and the person will eliminate waste the way they had presurgery.
A temporary ostomy may also be called a diverting ostomy.
The stoma is not formed from the end of the small intestine.
There are two openings, one that allows stool to leave the body.
J-Pouch
A J-pouch is sometimes also called a pelvic pouch.This is not an ileostomy.
It is attached to the anus to allow stool to leave the body through the bottom.
J-pouch surgery is usually done in stages, requiring two or three surgeries.
A diverting ileostomy is created during one of the stages to allow for the J-pouch to heal.
After a period of weeks or months, the ileostomy is reversed.
K-Pouch
A Kock pouch is sometimes called a K-pouch or a continent ostomy.
This surgery was commonly used in the 1970s but was largely replaced by J-pouch surgery in the 1980s.
With a K-pouch, theres no need to wear an appliance on the abdomen to collect stool.
During the K-pouch procedure, an opening is created in the abdomen, which is called a nipple valve.
This valve is at the end of the small intestine.
The pouch is emptied several times a day.
It is a major surgery.
Recovery time at home (away from work or school) may be about six weeks.
The surgical team and other healthcare providers will help you prepare for the surgery.
You may have several appointments before surgery to take care of any presurgical needs and paperwork.
This is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for people who live with a stoma.
The ET nurse will help in choosing a spot to place the stoma.
This process will include recommendations about ostomy appliances and where to order them after surgery.
What Happens During the Procedure?
You will be admitted to the hospital for ileostomy .
The surgery will last several hours.
In some cases, the surgery may be done laparoscopically.
Several small incisions are made, and tools are inserted through those incisions to complete the surgery.
This may mean a shorter recovery time than an open surgery.
In an open surgery, a longer incision will be made in the abdomen.
This might be done in cases in which laparoscopic surgery cant be used.
The surgical team should discuss which bang out of surgery will be used and why.
The parts of thedigestive systemaffected by damage, scar tissue, or disease will be removed or repaired.
This may mean removing part or all of the large intestine, rectum, or anus.
After the surgery is over, you may awaken in a recovery area.
The stoma on the abdomen will have an appliance over it.
There may also besurgical drainsand/or anasogastric (NG) tubein place.
Healthcare providers will give help and advice on changing the ostomy appliance.
It is a learning process.
It will take some time to settle on a routine.
Some people may have a healthcare provider visit at home to help with bag changes and other recovery needs.
Activity levels and eating plans should be gradually expanded over days or weeks.
This should be done under the supervision of the healthcare team.
Ileostomy Risks and Complications
Having surgery will come with some risks.
The surgical team will review these risks during the pre-op appointments and answer any questions.
Certain complications are specific to ileostomy procedures.
Taking care of the stoma will become part of a routine.
Emotionally, some people may need more help in learning how their body now functions.
Ask about mental health support from your healthcare providers.
You may want professional support and/or support from others in the ostomy community.
Patient advocacy groups offer support groups and peer support.
Ostomy suppliers also offer support through helpful written or video guides and in problem-solving with pouching issues.
With many different reasons for receiving an ileostomy, the potential risks and outcomes will differ for everyone.
Talk with your healthcare team about what is expected in the long term.
However, people who live with a stoma lead full lives.
Finding support in the ostomy community can help in learning how to incorporate stoma care into a full life.
An appliance is worn over the stoma to collect stool.
It may be permanent or temporary.
It is a major surgery requiring a hospital stay and weeks of recovery at home.
Different pouching systems and solutions for issues such as high-output stomas or peristomal hernias are available.
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