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An ileostomy is a stoma that has been constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin. Intestinal waste passes out of the ileostomy and is collected in an external bag stuck to the skin. Ileostomies are usually sited above the groin on the right hand side of the abdomen.
Reasons for having an ileostomy
Ileostomies are necessary where disease or injury has rendered the large intestine incapable of safely processing intestinal waste, typically because the colon has been wholly removed. Diseases of the large intestine which may require surgical removal include:
Other options
Since the late 1970's an increasingly popular alternative to an ileostomy has been the ileo-anal pouch. With such a pouch an internal reservoir is formed connecting the end of the small intestine to the rectum, thus removing the need for an external appliance.
External links
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (http://www.the-ia.org.uk/)
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