Ileostomy

An ileostomy is a surgical method in which a loop of the distal small bowel is connected and opened through the outer abdominal wall to artificially create a connection and bypass the large bowel.

Pathology

Types

There are two types of ileostomies:

• permanent end ileostomy

A permanent end ileostomy is conducted after proctocolectomy secondary to IBD or familial polyposis.  

• split ileostomy

A split ileostomy is a temporary type of ileostomy, it is attained if a loop ileostomy cannot effectively divert the fecal stream.

Indications

Some of the indications of ileostomy include ¹: 

• relief of distal bowel obstruction
• protection of distal anastomosis
• diversion of the fecal stream

Complications

Some of the complications of ileostomies include ^3-5:

• intestinal obstruction
• fistula formation
• parastomal hernia
• infection
• electrolyte imbalance

See also

• colostomy
• stoma