Ileostomy - Surgical Opening in the Small Intestine

An ileostomy is a surgically created opening into the small intestine - through an opening in the abdomen. The end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought through the surgically created opening in the abdominal wall and sewn, forming the stoma. The procedure usually involves the removal or disconnection of the entire large intestine. In some cases part of the small intestine and/or the rectum may be removed as well.

Ileostomy surgery may be proposed for a number of reasons, but the most usual is in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease). Here, many factors are taken into consideration including the severity and site of the disease, the failure of medical treatment, the presence of complications such as fistulae and the extent to which the disease interrupts daily life.

If your life has been ruled by IBD for several years you will probably feel vastly relieved that something is being done to return you to good health. Within a few days after the removal of the diseased part of your gut, you will be amazed at the speed with which you start to regain your appetite, weight and energy! IBD is very debilitating, so the return of health and strength will be especially precious to you.

Your stoma nurse will probably offer to introduce you to an established ileostomate. The first surprise will be that this visitor dresses and acts just like any other visitor to the ward! No-one knows of the ileostomy unless actually told. How could anyone know - there is no bulge, no odour, no restriction on diet and activities. Go ahead and ask all those questions that have sprung to mind. Your visitor will gladly give honest answers, knowing full well what it is like to be a new ostomate.