Ileostomy Information
An ileostomy is the second most form of ostomy, after colostomy. Like the colostomy they can be either temporary (rectum etc left in place to enable reversal later) or permanent (rectum etc removed). The ileostomy stoma is most commonly formed at the end, or the loop, of the small intestine, and whereas the colostomy stoma is usually flusher to the skin, the Ileostomy stoma protudes much more - anything from 1 to 2 inches. This is to make sure the stoma's output is kept away from the skin as the output is more liquidy (see below: output). The stoma is usually sited above the groin, on the right hand side of the patients body (left hand side as you look at the patients tummy)
Medical Conditions that may lead to an Ileostomy:
Most common medical reasons for Ileostomies are: Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Polyposis and Hirschsprungs Disease.
Output:
The ileostomy output is much more fluid compared to that of the colostomy. This is due to the stoma basically bypassing the majority of the large intestine (if not all) and the main function of this is to absorb the water in the stool.
Colorectal Cancer:
The ileostomy is also the more common choice of surgeons who are diverting output to help heal colorectal cancer surgery as these operations are more likely to lead to a reversal.
For Further Information:
For a more detailed, medical based review of an ileostomy, please check out the following external links:
Wikipedia
