Ileostomy Procedure

An ileostomy is a procedure that makes either a permanent or temporary tear called a stoma. The stoma’s purpose is a path that travels from the deepest part of someone’s small intestine, called the ileum. It then travels to the outside of the person’s abdomen. This will aid when a person’s toxin can leave their body without spreading across the rectum or the colon. After the toxin goes through, it’s gathered in a sac that is carried on the outside of their body.

If you are wondering why you may need an ileostomy, it can be because a doctor will need to work around the intestine when it becomes blocked. If the colon is caused by an infection, it needs to be taken out before it can cause any other problems in the future.

If someone has ovarian or colorectal cancer, getting an ileostomy can be required. Other types of cancers that are either Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, should get an ileostomy.

If someone is in need to have an ileostomy, the treatment will just be for at least four to five months, so the colon begins to improve successfully.

There are several types of ileostomy. The Brooke ileostomy is the most common form that a person goes through since the bottom of the small intestine is lured through the right lower part of the abdomen and obtained to the skin’s exterior. The person will need to carry a pouch every day so their toxins will be collected after it goes through the body.

The other is the Continent ileostomy. The good news is that when a person has this ileostomy, they do not need to wear a bag. This method is done when a surgeon develops a valve and pocket in the bottom of the small intestine. The person will just need to place a catheter a few times each day into the pocket to drain any feces that comes out of the body.

The other is the Ileo-anal reservoir. Surgeons call this a pelvic pouch. When surgery is performed, a pouch is used from the rectum and the small intestine. The person can then hook up the pouch to the anus to keep their feces. The feces will be able to go through from the pouch right through the person’s anus. Healing from this surgery lasts a few months.

It is good to know what is to be expected during an ileostomy surgery. When under the knife, an incision is made in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery is not as intense because only small incisions are made. The time to recover and comfort level is less.

After surgery, recovery time varies. Only eighty percent of patients usually stay in the hospital for only one week. The full timeframe to recover from an an ileostomy procedure is no more than two to three months. It is important for anyone who has this procedure to limit themselves on what they eat because its’ important for their small intestine to heal properly.