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How to Live With Ileostomy Problems

Diseases that affect the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or cancer, can result in a poorly functioning colon. Sometimes this will require an ileostomy temporary or permanently to allow the colon to rest and heal or for use in place of a removed colon and rectum. An ileostomy is an opening in the abdominal wall surgically made to eliminate body waste. The ileum is connected to the surface of the abdomen where the stool will drain through an opening (called a stoma) into a watertight pouch. Adjusting to living with this pouch can be difficult and requires some practice to deal with emptying and changing the pouch.

Things You'll Need

  • Toilet
  • Toilet paper
  • Disposable latex or nitrile gloves
  • Paper towels or clean sponges
  • Mild soap
  • Dry towel
  • Ileostomy pouch and clamp
  • Skin protection (film or pectin-based paste)
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Instructions

  1. Emptying the Pouch

    • 1

      Place bathroom tissue inside the toilet. This will lessen any splashes or noise.

    • 2

      Grasp the pouch on the end and hold it up. Remove the clamp.

    • 3

      Fold a cuff at the end of the pouch. The cuff will keep the pouch from getting dirty.

    • 4

      Squeeze the contents of the pouch into the toilet to drain. The toilet paper should make this a quiet process with little splash.

    • 5

      Clean the cuff with toilet paper or a moist paper towel. Keep the end of the pouch clean.

    • 6

      Remove the cuff on the end of the pouch. Close the end of the pouch or use a new clamp.

    Changing the Pouch

    • 7

      Empty the pouch contents into the toilet. As when changing the pouch, toilet paper placed in the bowl will decrease splashes and noise.

    • 8

      Clean the skin around the stoma site with warm water using a paper towel or clean sponge. Avoid using perfumed soaps or those with oil. Pat the skin dry.

    • 9

      Apply skin protection products for any irritations. Films are best for sensitive, dry or oily skin. Pectin-based pastes are useful for protecting the skin from digestive enzymes that can damage skin.

    • 10

      Center a new or clean pouch over the stoma. Press the pouch firmly into place on skin and hold one hand over the pouch for about 30 seconds, molding the adhesive barrier into place on the skin.

    • 11

      Place the old pouch in another plastic bag and dispose of both. Clean reusable pouches according to your doctor's or ostomy nurse's instruction.

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