An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that is used when the lower part of the digestive system (the colon) is diseased or damaged and is not able to function normally. An ileostomy allows body waste to leave the body through a surgical opening.
In this procedure, a hole is made in the abdomen, and a portion of the small intestine (the ileum) is brought to an opening in the skin (a stoma). Waste leaves the body through the stoma instead of the anus and is collected in a pouch attached to the stoma with adhesive.
Ileostomies may be performed if a portion of the colon is removed or diseased, such as from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated: October 9, 2008 | |
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise discalims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.