Ileostomy is a type of procedure in which a connection is established between the small intestine and the abdominal wall to allow the removal of stool and gases when they cannot pass through the large intestine due to the disease, directing a bag that fits the body. .
This procedure is usually performed after surgery on the digestive system, especially in cases of bowel cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, for example, and may be temporary or permanent, and it may be important, in both cases, that the person receives care. necessary to prevent skin infections and irritations.
- Ileostomy is used to redirect the flow of the small intestine when the large intestine changes.
- Being indicated primarily after surgery to treat bowel or rectal cancer.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Diverticulitis or perforations of the abdomen.
- Thus.
- Faeces and gases are directed to a collection bag that adapts to the body and needs to be changed periodically.
In the intestine there is the absorption of water and the action of microorganisms that are part of the gut microbiota, leaving the stools with a more pasty and solid consistency. Thus, in the case of an ileostomy, as there is no passage in the large intestine, the stool is quite liquid and acidic, which can cause severe skin irritation.
Ileostomy is a type of stoma, which corresponds to a surgical procedure that aims to connect an organ to the outer environment and, in this case, the small intestine to the abdominal wall. As a result of this procedure, a stoma occurs, which corresponds to the site of the skin where the connection was made, which may be permanent, when it is verified that there is no possibility of maintaining normal functioning of the intestine, or temporal, where it remains until the intestine is recovered.
The main treatment after ileostomy is related to the pouch and stoma, to prevent inflammation and infections at the site. Thus, it is important that the ileostomy bag is changed regularly, preferably when it reaches 1/3 of its maximum capacity, avoiding leakage, and the contents should be flushed to the toilet and discarded the bag to avoid infections. However, some bags are reusable, so it is important for the person to follow the disinfection instructions.
To avoid severe skin irritation due to stool acidity, it is important that the opening of the pouch is the size of the stoma, to prevent released stools from coming into contact with the skin. In addition, even if there is no contact between the contents released in the bag and the skin, after removing the bag, it is important to clean the area and the stoma, as directed by the nurse, dry the skin thoroughly and place the other bag.
Your doctor may also indicate the use of a protective spray or ointment, which prevents skin irritation caused by the content released from the ileostomy. It is also important for the person to drink a lot of water during the day, as the risk of dehydration is higher, as the stool is very liquid and there is no water reabsorption by the body because the stool does not pass. through the large intestine.
See more details about care after an ileostomy.