Ileostomy: Understand What It Is and the Necessary Care

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An ileostomy is a type of ostomy performed to create a connection between the small intestine and the abdominal wall, allowing feces and gases to be directly eliminated into a pouch.

It is a procedure occasionally performed when the intestine is affected by diseases that require surgery so that feces do not pass through the large intestine.

Learn when ileostomy is necessary and what the main care is after this procedure.

When is ileostomy necessary?

Ileostomy is an ostomy that receives the prefix “ileo” because it is performed at the end of the small intestine.

In the procedure, a doctor makes an opening in the abdominal wall so that the body can eliminate feces without passing through the large intestine.

A patient may need an ileostomy in the following cases:

• Intestinal obstruction;
• Colon cancer;
• Abdominal trauma with emergency surgery;
• Severe inflammatory bowel disease.

What are the care with ileostomy?

It is essential that the patient receives guidance and counseling prior to the procedure, aiming to reduce future complications.

The healthcare professional should discuss important aspects, such as the costs involved in maintaining an ileostomy, sexual life, patient acceptance, and family support.

Furthermore, the doctor responsible for the surgery needs to deliver a plan presenting everything that must be done after hospital discharge, how the patient’s rehabilitation is done, and what the next steps will be. All so that the patient can have health and manage anxiety.

With ileostomy, feces become more acidic and more liquid, because they only travel through the small intestine, contributing to skin irritation. For this reason, continuously emptying the collection bag is essential.

In addition, care with ileostomy involves:

• Removing the bag and cleaning the skin whenever you feel any discomfort or itching;
• Applying medications directed by the doctor, such as barrier spray, to protect the skin and keep it healthy;
• Avoiding the bag filling up to full capacity;
• If it is necessary to dispose of feces, it is important to clean the inside of the bag with a little water;
• Not wearing tight clothes over the stoma and bag;
• Being aware of the durability of the bag, informed by the manufacturer;
• Testing bag models to find out which will be better.

What should the diet be like after this procedure?

After the ileostomy procedure, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet and follow the doctor’s instructions.

Very high-fiber foods, for example, should be avoided in the first 6 to 8 weeks to prevent obstructions. In general, the main instructions are:

• Drinking plenty of water and fluids in general;
• Chewing food very well.

Furthermore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of certain foods, such as:

• Pineapple;
• Skins of fruits and vegetables;
• Nuts and seeds;
• Coconut;
• Mushrooms;
• Peas;
• Popcorn;
• Green salads;
• Raisins, prunes, and dried fruits;
• Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Important: the restriction is temporary, and the patient can gradually reintroduce these foods, as directed by the doctor.

Clear all your doubts about ileostomy on EndoBlog

At EndoBlog, patients find various contents related to the digestive system, diseases, procedures such as ileostomy, exams such as upper endoscopy, as well as truthful information provided by gastroenterologists.

Browse the EndoBlog portal to clear your doubts about ileostomy and other procedures performed on the intestine.