When an ileostomy is created, a part of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form a stoma (opening). An ileostomy is usually made on the right-hand side of the body, but can also be on the left.
The ileostomy can be formed as either an end ileostomy or a loop ileostomy:
End ileostomy
Ileostomy - just after operation
An end ileostomy is formed when part of the large intestine (colon) is removed and the end of the small intestine is brought out as a stoma. This can be temporary or permanent. An end ileostomy can also be formed when the last part of the ileum is diseased.
There are two common types of end operations:
- total colectomy
- pan-proctocolectomy
Loop ileostomy
Ileostomy - some time after operation
A loop ileostomy is created when a loop of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out as a stoma to protect an anastomosis This allows the colon to heal after a part of the colon has been removed (usually due to disease or obstruction). This kind of stoma is typically temporary.
The ileostomy is performed by lifting the intestine above skin level, holding it in place with an ostomy rod. The surgeon makes an incision on the exposed loop of intestine, and rolls the intestine down before sewing it to the skin. This means the loop ileostomy actually consists of two stomas (a double-barrelled stoma) that are connected to one another.
The most common operation is a restorative proctocolectomy.
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