Ileostomy

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Ileostomy is done when problems with your large intestine can only be treated with surgery.

There are many problems that may lead to the need for this surgery. Some are:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease). This is the most common reason for this surgery.
• Colon or rectal cancer
• Familial polyposis
• Birth defects that involve your intestines
• An accident that damages your intestines or another intestinal emergency

Risks

Talk with your doctor about these possible risks and complications.

Risks for any surgery are:

• Wound infection
• Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
• Breathing problems
• Heart attack or stroke

Risks for this surgery are:

• Bleeding inside your belly
• Damage to nearby organs
• Dehydration (not having enough fluid in your body) if there is a lot of watery drainage from your ileostomy
• Difficulty absorbing needed nutrients from food
• Infection, including in the lungs, urinary tract, or belly
• Poor healing of the wound in your perineum (if your rectum was removed)
• Scar tissue in your belly that causes a blockage in your intestines
• Wound breaks open

Before the Procedure

Always tell your health care provider what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

Before your surgery, talk with your provider about the following things:

• Intimacy and sexuality
• Pregnancy
• Sports
• Work

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

• Two weeks before surgery you may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naprosyn (Aleve, Naproxen), and others.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
• If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor for help.
• Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.
• Eat high fiber foods and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day.

The day before your surgery:

• Eat a light breakfast and lunch.
• You may be asked to drink only clear liquids such as broth, clear juice, and water after some point.
• Your doctor will tell you when to stop eating and drinking.
• Your provider may ask you to use enemas or laxatives to clear out your intestines. They will give you instructions.

On the day of your surgery:

• Take the drugs you were told to take with a small sip of water.
• You will be told when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure

You will be in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. You may have to stay longer if your ileostomy was an emergency operation.

You may be able to suck on ice chips on the same day as your surgery to ease your thirst. By the next day, you will probably be allowed to drink clear liquids. You will slowly add thicker fluids and then soft foods to your diet as your bowels begin to work again. You may be eating again 2 days after your surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most people who have an ileostomy are able to do most of the activities they were doing before their surgery. This includes most sports, travel, gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and most types of work.

If you have a chronic condition, such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need ongoing medical treatment.

References

Cima RR, Pemberton JH. Ileostomy, colostomy, and pouches. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 113.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 52.