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Ileostomy

Pre-operative Preparation for a Ileostomy procedure

There is some important information about the pre-operative preparation for this procedure. It is imperative that you read this.

Read about Bowel Pre-operative Preparation

Procedure

About ileostomy

An ileostomy is where the last part of the small bowel (terminal ilium) is brought out onto the abdominal wall.

Indications

The procedure is usually performed to protect a join up (anastomosis) downstream following a bowel resection, usually for cancer in the sigmoid colon or rectum. Under these circumstances it is a loop ileostomy and is temporary, the intention being to close the ileostomy once it is sure that the join has healed. Bringing both limbs of the bowel out as a loop facilitates the closure. Occasionally an ileostomy is permanent and under these circumstances it is an end ileostomy. The distal (downstream) portion of the bowel has been removed usually for ulcerative colitis.

Anaesthesia and antibiotics

The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic, administered by an anaesthetist. Antibiotics will be given in the operating room.

Operative procedure

The bowel will be operated on using keyhole surgery through several small incisions made in the abdomen. If the ileostomy is performed as part of a resection of the colon or rectum for cancer then it may be either totally laparoscopic, partly laparoscopic or totally open.

Post-operative Care following a Ileostomy procedure

There is some very useful information regarding your care following this procedure and it is important that you take time to read it.

Read about Bowel Post-operative Care

Related Information

Read about Laparoscopy