With an ileostomy, traditional bowel movements through the anus do not occur. An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that reroutes the digestive pathway, altering how waste exits the body. This means that digestive waste no longer travels to the rectum and anus for elimination.
What an Ileostomy Is
An ileostomy involves a surgical procedure where a section of the ileum, the final part of the small intestine, is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This opening, called a stoma, allows digestive waste to exit the body.
This procedure is performed when the large intestine (colon) or rectum is diseased or damaged. By bypassing or removing the affected part of the bowel, an ileostomy provides an alternative route for waste elimination.
How Bowel Movements Change
With an ileostomy, the large intestine is either completely removed or bypassed. Digestive material, which is liquid or semi-liquid, never reaches the colon. Consequently, the colon’s primary role of absorbing water and forming solid stool is no longer part of the digestive process.
Instead, the waste, now referred to as “output,” exits the body continuously through the stoma. This output is collected in an external pouch, often called an ostomy bag, which adheres to the skin around the stoma. This continuous flow replaces discrete bowel movements, fundamentally altering the body’s method of waste elimination and requiring an external collection system.
Characteristics of Ileostomy Output
Ileostomy output typically has a liquid to pasty consistency, rarely being solid. This is because the large intestine, responsible for significant water absorption, is no longer part of the digestive tract. The consistency can vary based on diet, hydration, and the individual’s specific digestive function.
The volume of output can range considerably, often between 800 to 1,200 milliliters per day. Output frequency is continuous rather than occurring in distinct, scheduled movements, requiring regular emptying of the collection pouch. The color of the output is usually yellowish-green or brownish, reflecting the presence of bile and partially digested food components.
Life with an Ileostomy
Managing an ileostomy involves regularly emptying and changing the ostomy pouch. Pouches are typically emptied several times a day when they are about one-third to half full, and they are changed every few days. Modern ostomy appliances are designed to be secure and odor-proof, allowing for an active lifestyle.
Dietary considerations are important for individuals with an ileostomy to manage output consistency and prevent potential blockages. Certain high-fiber foods or those that are difficult to digest may need to be consumed cautiously or avoided. Maintaining adequate hydration is important because the body loses more fluid through the ileostomy. While concerns about gas, odor, or skin irritation around the stoma can arise, these issues are often manageable with proper care and product selection, allowing individuals to adapt and maintain a good quality of life.