An ileostomy is a surgical opening made in the stomach (on the abdominal wall). It becomes a necessity when something is causing problems for the ileum to work normally.
There can be even a disease that is hindering the function of the ileum, and thus that particular part needs to be removed.
The last part of the ileum, or say the lowest part of your small intestine will be brought through the ileostomy to form a stoma. The stoma is mostly formed at the bottom of the abdomen on the right side.
To know small and big details of the surgery, you can anytime check out Webop, an e-learning platform designed by surgeons for surgeons, medical students, and anyone interested in learning about different surgical procedures.
Usually, an ileostomy is just needed temporarily, say for 3 – 6 months. The thing is, the problematic part of the colon needs time to heal from disease.
However, if the condition is severe, or the disease is more serious like cancer, an ileostomy may be needed permanently.
If you thoroughly look at your stoma, you will realize that it is the lining of your small intestine. The stoma will be pink to red. It will be warm and will continuously secrete some mucus.
In some cases, stomas stick out a little but in most cases, it is flat against the skin. Nevertheless, both are normal and there is nothing concerning about it.
In the surgery, the colon and the rectum are usually removed. This procedure is called colectomy.
As a result, the colon and rectum are no longer functioning in your body as they used to. However, sometimes only a particular part of the colon and rectum are removed.
Well, now your body will be dependent on the stoma to pass stool. However, a stoma doesn’t work like an anus, and thus you will have no control over when and how you are passing stool.
What is the exact role of an ileostomy?
In the process of colectomy, when the colon and rectum are removed, the body will be unable to pass stool. Digestive contents are now leaving through the stoma, and the secretion is collected in a pouch that is stuck to the patient around the stoma.
The pouch is secured at its place and is worn 24×7. It has to be emptied as and when needed.
Depending on your food and medication, the secretion will be either liquid or pasty. However, since the secretion is constant, the pouch will have to be emptied 5 to 8 times a day.
Taking care of your ileostomy
A Wound Ostomy Continence nurse will work with your surgeon and figure out the best location for the stoma. Also, your nurse will find a suitable way to take care of the stoma and educate you about the same.
In the beginning, taking care of your ileostomy might seem difficult. However, with time you will get a hang of it.
Besides, there are multiple ways in which you can take care of your ileostomy, so ensure you have a proper discussion with your surgeon as well as your ostomy nurse.
