During an ileostomy, a surgeon takes the last part of the small intestine (the ileum) and connects it to the abdominal wall. Stool bypasses the colon (large intestine) and empties through the created hole into a bag. In some cases, the procedure may be needed for a short time (temporary) to give injured intestines time to heal. They then may be reconnected. In other cases, the ileostomy may be lifelong (permanent).
During the procedure, the end of the ileum is brought through the belly wall. This makes an opening called a stoma. The stoma lets the contents of your intestines and mucus pass out of your body.
Here are some guidelines to follow after your ileostomy. Your health care provider and ostomy nurse will go over any information that is specific to your health.
Activity
After the surgery, you'll need to limit your activity:
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds until your health care provider says it's OK.
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Don’t drive until after your first checkup with your provider. Don't drive if you are taking pain medicine.
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If you ride in a car for more than short trips, stop often to stretch your legs. This is done to lower your risk of blood clots.
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Ask your provider about when you can go back to work. Most people are able to go back within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
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Increase your activity slowly. Take short walks on a level surface.
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Don’t overexert yourself. If you become tired, rest.
Other home care
Take these steps at home:
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Take care of your stoma as directed. Your health care provider and ostomy nurse discussed how to do this with you before you left the hospital. Your stoma will look different when first done and as it matures, so be sure to ask questions and understand your home care before you leave the hospital. You will learn to clean and protect the stoma area, check it, and put the ostomy bag (cover) on it to collect stool. You should get a contact number for the ostomy nurse to call if you have any questions or concerns from home.
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Ask your provider or ostomy nurse for a patient education sheet about ileostomy care before you leave the hospital. It will help remind you how to care for yourself. A nurse will likely see you before and after surgery to answer your questions and teach you about ostomy care. Let the nurse know if you want a family member or friend to be there.
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Ask your provider to prescribe medicines to reduce the output from your ostomy if needed.
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Don’t be alarmed by bowel movements that have mucus. It's common after this procedure. You may also have more gas.
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Shower or bathe as instructed by your provider.
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Wash the incision site with mild soap and water or just warm water and pat dry.
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Check your incision each day for redness, leaking fluid, swelling, or separation of the skin.
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Don’t take any over-the-counter medicine unless your provider tells you to do so.
When to contact your doctor
Call your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:
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A lot of bleeding from your stoma. Your provider may tell you to get care right away or call
911 . -
Blood in your stool. Depending on the amount, your provider may tell you to get care right away or call
911 . -
A change in your stoma's color or a stoma that looks like it's getting longer.
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Bad odor for more than a week. This may mean an infection.
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Bulging skin around your stoma.
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Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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Shaking chills. You may be told to get care right away or call
911 . -
Redness, swelling, bleeding, or fluid leaking from your incision.
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Constipation or diarrhea.
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Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.
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Increased pain in the belly or around the stoma.
