a. An ileostomy is a surgically created, artificial opening (stoma) into the small bowel (ileus) through the abdomen.

The stoma is located low on the abdomen (lower quadrants.) Most ileostomies are performed because of inflammatory bowel disease.

b. An ileostomy may be temporary or permanent. If temporary, the bowel is left intact. In a permanent ileostomy, the colon is removed.

c. Unlike a colostomy, an ileostomy cannot be regulated. The fecal contents of the ileum are fluid, and drain continuously. For this reason, an ileostomy patient must always wear an appliance.

d. New surgical techniques are being used to create what is called a “continent” ileostomy. In these procedures, a portion of the ileum is used to create a pouch with a nipple valve. Pressure from feces entering the pouch causes the valve to close, preventing leakage of gas or feces from the stoma. The pouch can be easily emptied by insertion of a catheter and gravity drainage. Because the pouch is continent, the patient does not need to wear an appliance.