What is Ileostomy and How Do You Live with It

Ileostomy is a surgical opening created by bringing the end of the small intestine (ileum) out over the surface of the skin. It is a procedure created as an aid to treat colon problems. The waste in the intestine will pass out of this opening and is then collected in a pouching system attached to the skin.

The openings made are now replaced by J-Pouch or BCIR. This procedure turns the small intestine into a reservoir inside thus eradicating the need for an appliance outside.

Why Do We Need Ileostomy

The large intestine is capable of processing the intestinal waste effectively and safely. However, if the large intestine is incapable of doing so (especially when the colon has been removed partially or wholly), then Ileostomy becomes necessary.

These are the Diseases which are in Need of the said Removal :

• Total colonic Hirschprung’s Disease
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Ileostomy is also necessary to treat colon problem such as colorectal cancer. One classic example is when the tumor is causing the blockage. In this case, the ileostomy may be provisional, as the colorectal cancer surgical procedure reconnects the last sections of the colon after the removal of the tumor.

In the provisionary ileostomy, a small intestine’s loop is brought up to the skin while the colon and the rectum are not removed. This temporary procedure is also being done in the surgical construction of ileo-anal pouch so that fecal material will not enter the newly attached pouch until it heals and has been effective against leaks (probably, 8 to 10 weeks). This procedure is taken down by repairing the loop of the intestine.

How Do You Live with Ileostomy

Living with ileostomy is kind of hard. But in order to treat colon problem, one must do some sacrifices. You have to use an ostomy pouch, attached to your skin, to collect intestinal waste. The pouch is open-ended, meaning it’s drainable with just a leak-proof clip on the lower end (fortunately, it’s not close-ended when you must throw away when it’s full).

You also do not have to worry about clothing because ostomy pouches are very fit to the body making it seem invisible to the naked eye under any clothes unless, of course, the patient neglect it and let it become too full. It is very important that the patient undergoes regular stoma measurement as it transforms its size and shape after the first surgery. This will be performed by a stomal or colorectal nurse.

About the diet

Are you Going to Adjust the Food you Eat after the Surgery ?

Diets like high-fiber foods (such as tomato skins, raw vegetable and potato skins) are not advisable since they are hard to digest and there might be blockages or discomfort as the foods passes through the stoma. What you must do is to chew the food thoroughly. The proper diet will be recommended by the attending physician or the professionals he or she endorsed.