Stoma
After an ileostomy procedure, you'll need to stay in hospital for a few days while you recover.
When you wake up after the operation, you may be attached to a drip placed directlyinto your vein that provides fluids (an intravenous drip) and havean oxygen mask or nasal tubes (cannula) to help you breathe. These will be removed as you recover.
A special bagis also placed over the opening in your abdomen (stoma). The stoma will initially appear large because the effects of surgery cause it to swell. It usually shrinks during the weeks after the operation, reaching its final size after about eight weeks.
While you're recovering in hospital, a stoma nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma, including how to empty and change the bag.
They'll also teach you how to keep your stoma and the surrounding skin clean and free from irritation. The nurse will explain the different types of equipment available and howtoget new supplies.
Seeliving with anileostomyfor more information.
You may need to stay in hospital for up to two weeks after the operation, although this varies depending on thingslikeyour general health and the type of operation.
Your stomanurse or surgeon will give you advice about activities to avoid while you recover. Most normal activities are usually possible within eight weeks, although you'lloften be advised to avoid more strenuous activities for about three months.
Your abdomen will feel very sore initially during your recovery, but eventually settles down. You may also experience excessive gas (flatulence) and unpredictabledischarge from your stoma during the first few weeks of recovery. This should start to improve as you recover from the effects of the operation.
An ileostomy is where the small bowel (small intestine) is diverted through an opening in the tummy (abdomen).
An ileostomy may be needed if the colon is damaged, inflamed, or doesn't work properly.
There are several different ways an ileostomy can be formed, depending on the reason why the operation is being carried out.
After an ileostomy procedure, you will need to stay in hospital for a few days while you recover.
As with any surgery, complications can develop during or soon after an ileostomy operation. Discuss the risks with your surgeon before the procedure.
Although it can be difficult to adjust at first, having an ileostomy doesn't mean you can't have a full and active life.
If your ileostomy is intended to be temporary, further surgery will be needed to reverse it at a later date.