Ileostomy Care & Education

An ileostomy creates a new opening for waste removal if a portion of the bowel is missing or unusable. Waste leaves the body through a stoma, or opening, in the abdomen, and goes into a bag the patient wears.

Preparation

• An ileostomy is rarely required under emergency conditions, so you will have weeks to plan and prepare for the procedure. Doctors, nurses, dietitians and social workers might all be part of the team that works with you to educate you on ileostomy care.

Considerations

• After the procedure, waste will collect in an ostomy bag attached to your stoma via a tube. You will wear the bag at all times, but the bags are usually discreet and have odor-reduction features built in.

Diet

• Immediately after surgery, you will be advised to avoid certain foods that are difficult to digest. Over a few weeks, you can reintroduce most or all of the foods you previously ate, unless you experience discomfort or diarrhea.

Exercise

• Exercise is an important part of good health. Miniature ostomy bags can be worn while swimming or performing other physical activities.

Water

• You should drink at least 64 oz. of water daily to flush wastes from the body and avoid dehydration, especially during the first phase, when you have limited food choices.