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What is an ileostomy?

In an ileostomy surgery, a part of the small bowel called the ileum is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form the stoma.

Ileostomy

In an ileostomy surgery, a part of the small bowel called the ileum is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form the stoma. An ileostomy is typically made in cases where the end part of the small bowel is diseased, and is usually made on the right-hand side of your abdomen.

 

Stools in this part of the intestine are generally fluid and, because a stoma has no muscle to control defecation, will need to be collected in a pouch.

 

There are two different types of ileostomy surgery:

 

End ileostomy

An end ileostomy is made when part of the large bowel (colon) is removed (or simply needs to rest) and the end of the small bowel is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form a stoma. An end ileostomy can be temporary or permanent.

Loop ileostomy

In a loop ileostomy, a loop of the small bowel is lifted above skin level and held in place with a stoma rod. A cut is made on the exposed bowel loop, and the ends are then rolled down and sewn onto the skin. In this way, a loop ileostomy actually consists of two stomas that are joined together.

The loop ileostomy is typically temporary and performed to protect a surgical join in the bowel. If temporary, it will be closed or reversed in a later operation.