Content
Ileostomy is a type of procedure in which a connection is made between the small intestine and the abdominal wall in order to allow feces and gases to be eliminated when they cannot pass through the large intestine due to disease, being directed to a bag that fits the body.
This procedure is usually performed after surgery on the digestive system, especially in the case of cancer of the intestine, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, for example, and can be temporary or permanent, being important, in both cases, that the person has the care necessary to prevent infections and skin irritation.
What is it for
The ileostomy serves to redirect the flow of the small intestine when the large intestine has changes, being indicated mainly after surgery to treat cancer in the intestine or rectum, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis or perforations in the abdomen. Thus, feces and gases are directed to a collection bag that fits the body and needs to be changed regularly.
In the intestine there is water absorption and the action of microorganisms that are part of the intestinal microbiota, leaving the feces with a more pasty and solid consistency. Thus, in the case of ileostomy, as there is no passage through the large intestine, the stools are very liquid and acidic, which can cause a lot of skin irritation.
Ileostomy is a type of ostomy, which corresponds to a surgical procedure that aims to connect an organ to the external environment and, in this case, the small intestine to the abdominal wall. As a consequence of this procedure, there is the formation of a stoma, which corresponds to the skin site where the connection was made, which can be permanent, when it is verified that there is no possibility of maintaining the normal function of the intestine, or temporary, where it remains until the intestine is recovered.
Care after ileostomy
The main care after the ileostomy is related to the pouch and the stoma, in order to avoid inflammation and infections at the site. Thus, it is important that the ileostomy bag is changed regularly, preferably when it reaches 1/3 of its maximum capacity, avoiding leaks, and the contents must be thrown into the toilet and the bag discarded to avoid infections. However, some bags are reusable, so it is important that the person follows the disinfection instructions.
To avoid great irritation on the skin due to the acidity of the stools, it is important that the opening of the pouch is the size of the stoma, to prevent the released stools from coming into contact with the skin. In addition, even if there is no contact between the content released in the bag and the skin, after removing the bag it is important to clean the region and stoma well, according to the nurse's instructions, dry the skin well and put the other bag on.
A spray or protective ointment may also be indicated by the doctor, which prevents skin irritation caused by the content released from the ileostomy. It is also important that the person drinks a lot of water during the day, since there is a greater risk of dehydration, since the feces are very liquid and there is no reabsorption of water by the body due to the fact that the feces do not pass through the large intestine.
See more details on care after ileostomy.