A bowel diversion surgery performed after removal of
the large intestine, an ileostomy involves connecting the ileum to the
abdominal wall. This allows liquid waste moving through the small intestine to
drain from the abdominal opening into a pouch on the outside of the body.
Also
Known As:
- Bowel surgery
- Colorectal
surgery
Conditions
Treated with an Ileostomy:
An ileostomy may be performed in cases of bowel
obstruction, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, large
intestine injury and infection or trauma of the abdomen.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
an ileostomy. Continent ileostomy, laparoscopic ileostomy and internal
colo-anal pouch are surgical alternatives to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with an Ileostomy:
An ileostomy is performed under general anesthesia,
which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from an Ileostomy:
Possible risks following an ileostomy include
infection, bleeding, incisional hernia and a negative reaction to the
anesthesia.
Prognosis
after an Ileostomy:
The prognosis for a positive end result following an
ileostomy is good. It can take up to a year to adjust to the ileostomy bag.