Have you or someone you know ever been told by a doctor about an 'ileostomy' surgery? It's normal to feel a little scared and have a lot of questions when you hear the name. "What kind of surgery is this?", "Why do I need to have this?", "What will my life be like after the surgery?" Things like that are probably running through your mind. Don't worry, it's normal. Today, we'll talk about this surgery called an ileostomy in a very simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is an Ileostomy?
An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that changes the way your body passes stool. Think of your digestive system as a water pipe. Sometimes, a part of this system, especially the colon, stops working properly due to illness or other reasons. That's when doctors decide to perform this surgery.
In this procedure, a surgeon creates a small opening in your abdomen, called a stoma, through the skin. The end of your small intestine, called the ileum , is then attached to the newly created stoma.
What happens now? Instead of the waste products that come from the food you eat going down the large intestine and out the anus, they come out of the body directly through the stoma in the small intestine. A special bag (ostomy bag) attached to the stoma is used to collect the waste products that come out.
The important thing is that this surgery can be temporary or permanent , depending on your condition. You can also talk to your doctor about whether this surgery can be reversed if your colon heals later.
What are the main types of ileostomy surgery?
There are two main types of ileostomy surgery. To understand the difference between the two, see the table below.
| Type of surgery | The manner and nature of doing |
|---|---|
| Loop Ileostomy | This is often temporary . Here, the doctor takes a loop of small intestine out of the opening made in the abdomen, opens one side of it, and creates the stoma. This does not completely cut off the connection between the small intestine and the large intestine. |
| End Ileostomy | This is often permanent . Here, the small intestine is completely separated from the large intestine, and the stoma is created by taking the very end of the small intestine. This method is used in cases where the entire large intestine is removed. |
Why would someone need to have an ileostomy?
If you have a condition that prevents you from using your large intestine (colon) or the last part of your small intestine (ileum), you may need an ileostomy. Sometimes this is done as part of a larger operation. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Bowel obstruction: A blockage somewhere in the intestine.
- Bowel perforation: A hole in the intestinal wall.
- Colorectal cancer.
- Diverticulitis: An infection in the colon.
- Some hereditary polyposis syndromes: For example, conditions like FAP and JPS.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: The best examples of this are Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease .
Sometimes this surgery is done to give your bowel a temporary break and allow it to heal. However, if part or all of your colon needs to be removed, you may need a permanent ileostomy.
What happens before and during the surgery?
Preparing for surgery
Before surgery, you will need to have a bowel prep. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do and what fluids to drink. You will also need to restrict your food and drink for a few days before surgery.
How the surgery is performed
This surgery is done under general anesthesia , which means you won't feel anything. The doctor will make an incision in your abdomen, locate the part of your small intestine that is affected, and create the stoma as discussed earlier. This surgery can be done in two ways:
1. Open surgery (Laparotomy): Surgery performed through a single long incision in the abdomen.
2. Minimally invasive surgery / Laparoscopic surgery: Surgery performed through only a few small incisions in the abdomen and with the help of a camera.
The doctor will explain in advance what type of surgery you will be having.
Recovering and Living with an Ileostomy
After the surgery, you will have to stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, a specially trained nurse (ostomy nurse) will help you a lot. They will teach you how to keep your stoma clean, how to change your bag, and how to live a normal life.
How long does it take to heal?
Since this is a major surgery, it can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. In the early days after surgery, you will only need to eat liquids and soft foods . Your doctor will advise you on how to gradually transition back to normal eating. Some people may need to make permanent changes to their diet.
How do you pass stool with an ileostomy?
Now your stool doesn't come out through your anus. Instead, it comes directly into the bag through the stoma in your abdomen. You can't control this . That means you won't feel like you need to go. But your peeing won't change. It will continue to happen as normal.
Will this surgery affect my lifespan?
Absolutely not. Having an ileostomy does not affect your lifespan in any way. In fact, this surgery is done as a treatment for conditions that can be very dangerous. Therefore, it not only improves your quality of life, but sometimes even saves your life .
When to seek medical advice
It is very important to inform your doctor immediately if you experience any problems after your surgery. Be especially aware of the symptoms below.
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Bad smell | If there is an unpleasant, foul odor coming from the stoma or surrounding area. |
| Wound or bleeding | If the area around the stoma is sore, painful, or bleeding. |
| Vomiting and pain | If you have persistent stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. |
| Incontinence | If stool does not collect in the bag for more than 6 hours. This may be a sign of a bowel obstruction. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
An ileostomy, even if it is temporary, is a life-changing experience. It is normal to take some time to adjust to new habits. You may feel lonely and uncomfortable. Be patient with yourself. Talk about your feelings with your family, a trusted friend, and, if necessary, a counselor. Your doctor and nursing staff are always ready to help you. So don't be afraid to ask any questions.
Take-Home Message
- An ileostomy is a surgical procedure to change the way stool exits the body. This is done through an opening called a stoma, which is created on the skin of the abdomen.
- This surgery is performed as a treatment for serious conditions such as colon cancer, severe infections, and obstructions.
- This can be temporary or permanent, and it is often a life-saving and quality-of-life-improving surgery.
- The medical staff will guide you on how to care for your stoma and pouch after surgery.
- If you experience warning signs such as stomach pain, vomiting, or not having a bowel movement for several hours, contact your doctor immediately.
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