Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgically created connection between the ileum (part of the small intestines) and the abdominal wall.
What is an Ileostomy?
An ileostomy is a surgical procedure which re-routes the last part of the small intestines (ileum) to the abdominal wall to form a stoma.
What is a Stoma?
A stoma is an artificially created hole in the abdomen which allows faeces to leave the body. A stoma may be permanent in the case of bowel cancer or serious injury, or it can be a temporary measure while the bowel recovers from events such as infection, inflammation or stab wounds.
What are the Common Reasons for an Ileostomy?
Some diseases, such as bowel cancer, may require the surgical removal of diseased portions of the bowel. Other conditions which may require an ileostomy include:
- bowel infections
- bowel inflammation
- diverticulitis
- Crohn's disease
- ulcerative colitis
- blocked bowel
- bowel cancer
- familial adenomatous polyposis (a pre-cancerous condition)
- serious injury to the bowel.
Further Information
For further information see the Queensland Health information sheet on Bowel Stomas.