Ileostomy
An ileostomy is an artificial opening that is created in the bowel for stool to pass through. The ileum is the lower of the small bowel, which connects to the large bowel. Treatment for some bowel diseases requires removal of part or all of the bowel. If this is done, a new way for stool to leave the body must be created. An ileostomy is performed under general anesthesia and involves surgically creating an opening in the abdomen (ostomy) and pulling through a portion of the small intestine
(ileum) to create a stoma. In many cases, the colon is removed and its function (reabsorbing water and electrolytes) is partially carried out by the small intestine. Discharge after an ileostomy is liquid or pasty in consistency and occurs several times a day, usually after meals.
This procedure usually follows removal of the entire colon and rectum. During a conventional ileostomy, part of the small intestine is brought to the surface. As with a colostomy, an ileostomy requires that you wear a bag over the stoma to collect waste. In this case the waste has a liquid consistency because the entire colon has been removed.
A variation of the standard ileostomy is called a Kock pouch (continent ileostomy). In this procedure the surgeon uses a portion of your small intestine to construct an internal pouch and valve for waste. This pouch can store your waste internally for several hours at a time, eliminating the need for an outside bag. You can then drain the pouch at your convenience using a tube (catheter) inserted through the stoma. Liquid diet will be used for several days before surgery. Bowel cleansers will be given before surgery. Antibiotics may be given to kill bacteria in the bowel. Bowel preparation can decrease the risk of infection, but it may not be possible in emergency cases. The abdomen is marked for placement of the stoma before surgery. When possible, the stoma is placed in the most convenient place for the person. Usually, the stoma is placed in the lower right part of the abdomen.
An ileostomy is usually done using general anesthesia. The surgeon removes or interrupts the diseased bowel. In a traditional procedure, a part of the ileum is then brought out through the skin. The bowel opening is attached to the skin of the abdomen with sutures. A plastic bag with an adhesive facing is placed over the stoma and firmly pressed onto the skin. Someone who has a traditional ileostomy has continuous drainage of bowel contents into the bag.
A procedure called ileoanal reservoir surgery requires two surgical procedures and may be an alternative to permanent ileostomy. In the first procedure, the colon is removed, and a temporary ileostomy is performed. In the second procedure, the ileostomy is closed, and a section of the small intestine is used to create an internal pouch to hold stool. This pouch is attached to the anus and rectal muscles hold it in place and prevent stool from leaking. Patients who have this surgery are able to control bowel movements. |
More information on ostomy
Ostomy - An ostomy is a surgical procedure performed when normal bowel or bladder function is lost due to birth defects, disease, treatment for disease, or injury.
Colostomy - Colostomies are identified by the portion of the colon that's brought out through the stoma. For example, a sigmoid colostomy involves the sigmoid colon.
Ileostomy - An ileostomy is an artificial opening that is created in the bowel for stool to pass through. The ileum is the lower of the small bowel, which connects to the large bowel.
Urostomy - Urostomy, also called urinary diversion, is performed to divert urine from a diseased or damaged section of the urinary tract.
Enterostomy - An enterostomy is an operation in which the surgeon makes a passage into the patient's small intestine through the abdomen with an opening to allow for drainage or to insert a tube for feeding. |
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