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Sally Wright has worked as a Stoma Care Nurse for over 15 years, providing specialist care, education, and support to individuals recovering from stoma surgery within the community. Sally recognises that every patient’s recovery journey is unique, and she has a particular interest in the psychological aspects of adapting to life with a stoma. Her previous role as a Dermatology Sister highlighted the importance of emotional wellbeing whilst coming to terms with changes to our bodies and the impact on self esteem.
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in your abdominal wall. The word "stoma" comes from Greek and means "opening".
During the operation, your surgeon brings part of your small intestine (the ileum) through a small cut in your abdomen. The surgeon then stitches it to your skin. Waste no longer travels through your colon. Instead, it leaves through the stoma and is collected in an ostomy appliance.
Your stoma will look pink or red and moist, a bit like the inside of your cheek. It has no nerve endings, so it doesn't hurt to touch.
There are two main ileostomy types. The difference is whether the stoma is permanent or temporary.
An end ileostomy is the most common type. Your colon is removed, and the stoma is usually on the lower right side of your abdomen. It is usually permanent. Because your colon normally absorbs water, your output will be thinner than you might expect. This is completely normal.
A loop ileostomy is usually a temporary stoma. It protects a part of your bowel while it heals. The stoma has two openings, but only one sends waste into your pouch. Once your bowel has healed, the stoma can often be reversed in another operation.
Your surgeon will explain which type you need and whether it is likely to be temporary or permanent.
An ileostomy is needed when part or all of your colon (large intestine) has to be removed or needs time to heal. Common reasons for an ileostomy are:
Your care team will explain why surgery is recommended in your case.
Your surgeon brings the end of your small intestine to the surface of your abdomen and stitches it to your skin to form the stoma. Straight after surgery, a clear pouch is attached so your care team can check the stoma and collect your waste.
Depending on your situation, the operation can be done as open surgery or as keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). If you'd like to know more about recovery after stoma surgery, here's a guide for you.
Getting used to an ileostomy is both a physical and an emotional challenge. Some people feel relief, especially if they were in pain before surgery. Others find it hard to accept their changed body at first. Both reactions are completely normal.
Your body is not less valuable or less beautiful because of your stoma. It takes time to adjust. Counselling and support groups can help you process your feelings and rebuild your confidence. Your stoma care nurse can also point you to support in your area.
With an ileostomy, you definitely don't have to give up your favourite foods. Most people return to eating normally fairly quickly after surgery. What your body tolerated before, it will usually tolerate afterwards.
The key is to listen to your body and learn what works for you. Some foods can cause gas, odour or looser output, but this is different for everyone.
Nutrition tips for a stoma diet:
Again, there's no such thing as a "forbidden list". These foods, however, are more likely to cause problems:
Keep a food diary. Over time, you will see which foods suit you and which don't.
If you'd like to read more about foods to avoid with an ostomy, here's a guide.
Your colon normally absorbs most of the water your body needs. With an ileostomy, it is either gone or no longer connected, so you lose more fluid than before. Drinking enough is extremely important, whether you're an ostomate or not.
Signs of dehydration include:
If you notice these signs, drink more and talk to your stoma care nurse or doctor if they don't improve.
Gas is normal with an ileostomy, and your pouch may fill with air from time to time. Gas can cause bloating and sometimes discomfort or pain.
Common causes of ileostomy gas and gas pain are:
What can help:
If your gas pain is severe or doesn't go away, speak to your stoma care nurse or doctor.
Mild stomach cramps with an ileostomy can happen, especially in the first weeks after surgery while your bowel adjusts. Trapped gas, certain foods and eating too quickly are common causes.
Cramps can also be a sign of a stoma blockage (see below) or an infection. Contact your stoma care nurse or doctor if:
An ileostomy blockage (also called a food blockage) happens when food that is hard to digest gets stuck in your small intestine near the stoma. It is more likely in the first weeks after surgery, but can happen at any time.
Signs of an ileostomy blockage:
How to lower your risk:
If you think you have a blockage, contact your stoma care nurse or doctor straight away. Get urgent medical help if you are vomiting, have severe pain, or your stoma has stopped producing output and you feel unwell. Don't take laxatives unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
Good ileostomy care protects the skin around your stoma, which is sensitive because of regular pouch changes and possible leaks. Proper stoma skin care helps prevent skin irritation and infection.
Daily care tips:
If your skin is already irritated, skin barrier products can help. Unscented wipes are useful when you're out and about, but only as a last resort. If skin problems continue, talk to your stoma care nurse.
Exercise is important, and you can stay active with an ostomy. After a recovery period (rest straight after surgery), you can do almost any sport that feels comfortable.
Tips for exercising with a stoma:
At the end of the day, an ileostomy is a big change, but most people find their routine again with time and the right support. Once you know your ileostomy type, understand your diet and have a good care routine, daily life gets easier. This includes handling gas pain, stomach cramps and the risk of a blockage.
Every body is different, so be patient with yourself. Your stoma care nurse and doctor are there to answer questions, however small they seem.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your stoma care nurse or doctor.
The main difference is which part of your bowel is used, and how that changes your output.
With a colostomy, your colon (large intestine) is used. Output is firmer and comes less often, sometimes just once a day, and you may have some control over timing.
With an ileostomy, your small intestine (ileum) is used. Output is thinner and continuous, and you can't control when it comes. This is because your colon, which normally absorbs water, is either removed or not connected. You will need to wear a pouch at all times.
Colostomies usually have less impact on your diet. With an ileostomy, you need to pay extra attention to your fluid intake.
Stool now leaves your body through the stoma instead of your anus. Output with an ileostomy is:
If you still have your rectum, you may sometimes pass a little mucus from your anus. This is normal. Ask your stoma care nurse if you are unsure.
Yes. An ileostomy only changes how stool leaves your body. Your urinary system (kidneys, bladder and urethra) is not affected, so you urinate as before. Dark urine can be a sign of dehydration, so keep an eye on it.
A urostomy is different. In that surgery, urine is redirected through a stoma.
People usually get an ileostomy because part or all of their colon has to be removed or needs time to heal. Reasons include inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), bowel cancer, diverticulitis, severe abdominal injury and conditions present from birth.
There is no universal list on foods to avoid with a stoma. Some people find high-fibre raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, sweetcorn, popcorn and tough skins harder to manage. They can cause gas, odour, looser output or blockages, but not for everyone. A food diary helps you find your own triggers.
A urostomy changes many things at first glance, but it doesn't have to change your quality of life. In this guide, you'll learn everything important: how the surgery works, what types of urostomies exist, how to care for your stoma and manage everyday challenges; plus practical tips for staying active and feeling your best.
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A colostomy changes many things at first glance, but it doesn't have to change your quality of life. In this guide, you'll learn what types of colostomies exist, when they're necessary, how to manage your nutrition and care for your stoma, plus practical tips for staying active and enjoying life.
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The word fistula is often mentioned alongside stoma surgery, but only a small number of people with a stoma will experience one. In this guide, we'll explain what a fistula is, the different types of stoma fistula, the symptoms to look out for, and the treatments that may help.
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