What is meant by an ileostomy creation?

An ileostomy is a surgery in which a part of the small intestine called the ileum is brought to the abdomen to make an opening called a stoma. The stoma made from the ileum enables the waste to move through the ileum to the stoma and then it is collected in the pouch outside the body. An ileostomy can be temporary or permanent. An ileostomy is required for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Crohn’s disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis

How can I prepare for the surgery?

• Before the few weeks of the surgery, the surgeon marks the location of the stoma on the abdomen. You may be introduced to an Ostomy specialist. Your doctor might ask you to stop any specific medication a few weeks before the surgery such as blood thinners and NSAIDs. These medicines can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. 
• One day before the surgery, your Ostomy nurse or your doctor will tell you when to stop eating. You will be allowed to drink simple water only.
• One night before the surgery you will be asked to have an enema or any laxatives to ensure the thorough cleaning of your bowel. You will be not to allow eat or drink anything 12 hours before the surgery.
• On the day of the surgery, you will be given antibiotics and IV fluids.

What happens during the surgery?

You will be given anesthesia so that you will be asleep and feel no pain. There are several methods to perform an ileostomy. The best method will depend on the type of your ileostomy (permanent or temporary). Your surgeon may perform the following steps:

In the case of a conventional ileostomy, the surgeon will cut the abdomen. He will separate the colon from the ileum and sews the colon closed. Then he will bring the ileum to the abdomen, folds it back, and staple it with the skin to make a stoma.

A loop ileostomy is performed in case of a temporary ileostomy. Your healthcare expert will bring a small portion of the ileum via the orifice made in the abdomen. The surgeon will create an incision at one side of the ileum. Then he will fold it and staple it with skin on the abdomen, creating a stoma. He can also locate a small rod near the stoma to ensure security. The rod will remain there until the stoma recovers completely. Then the surgeon will remove it.

In the case of a continent ileostomy, a reservoir is created using a part of the ileum. It remains inside the body and attaches to the stoma. It gathers all the waste material and you can empty it using a tube.

What happens after the surgery?

• You may remain to admit to the hospital for three to five days following the surgery.
• You will be given a painkiller for a few days following your surgery. Also, antibiotics are given to avoid any infection.
• The nurse or any healthcare person will help you in walking around. This prevents blood clots.
• You will be introduced to a Stoma expert or nurse. He or she will teach you about the basics such as how to take care of your stoma, how to change the stoma bag during the day and at night when you are asleep. You will be asked to measure the urine each time you empty your bag.

The Risks

There may be bleeding after the surgery. Other organs may get hurt or damaged during the surgery. A fistula can occur between the intestines and organs. Intestines might not work properly for few days after the surgery. There can be any blood clot in your leg or arm. This can be fatal. There can be a blockage in the stoma or intestines. The stitches around the ileostomy may get loose. Stoma might dig back into the abdomen or it may elongate too much. You may have an infection in the intestines, urinary tract, or reservoir. A hernia is also one of the risks after the ileostomy. Patients with ileostomy have higher chances of diarrhea.

Your ileum may get damaged. Bowel contents can leak into the abdomen leading to an infection. This can fatal.

The Bottom Line

It is your right to be treated and cared for properly. You must be aware of your situation and how to deal with it. You can talk to your doctor and surgeon about it.