What Is an Ileostomy?

During an ileostomy the colon (large intestine) and sometimes part of the last section of the ileum (small intestine) are removed or disconnected. If they were diseased, they may be removed. If they were injured, they may be disconnected for a short time while they heal. The end of the ileum is brought through the abdominal wall. This makes an opening, called a stoma, for stool and mucus to pass out of the body.

An End Ileostomy

The most common type of ileostomy is the end ileostomy.

• The colon and sometimes part of the ileum are removed or disconnected. The rectum and anus may be removed or just disconnected.

• The stoma is most often on the lower right side of the abdomen.

• Stool tends to be quite liquid because there is no colon to absorb water from the stool. The stool also contains digestive juices, so it is very irritating to the skin.

• An end ileostomy is most often permanent. It may be done to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or polyps (growths) in the intestine.

• Sometimes an end ileostomy is temporary. It may be done to let the colon heal, as after an injury.

There are other types of ileostomies. These can be temporary or permanent.

The Stoma

Stoma

The stoma is created by bringing the end of the ileum through the abdominal wall and turning it back on itself, like a cuff.

• The inside of the ileum is like the inside of the mouth. So the stoma is pink and moist.

• The stoma shrinks to its final size 6-8 weeks after surgery. Then it will be round or oval and sit about 1/4-1/2 inch above the skin.

• Both stool and mucus pass through the stoma. If the anus is not removed, some mucus may pass from the anus as well.