Ileostomy

An ileostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening, or stoma, through the abdominal wall in the ileum, which is the lower part of the small intestine. This stoma is then connected to an external pouching system so that waste material can be collected from the small intestine without going into the large intestine. This procedure is used to overcome problems with the large intestine such as inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, or colorectal cancer. An ileostomy can improve quality of life for those with these conditions by improving digestion, controlling waste, and providing an alternative for those unable to use other treatments or procedures. Additionally, ileostomies can provide peace of mind and greater independence by providing an easy way to manage the elimination of waste without the need for assistance.