Dietitian and Nutritionist for Post-Ileostomy Support

Important information on post-ileostomy by our registered dietitians:

What is ileostomy?

An ileostomy is the creation of an opening in the abdomen (stoma) that is connected to the end of the small intestine (terminal ileum), and allows waste (stool) to be excreted.

It is often the outcome of medical procedures involving partial or full removal of the large intestine and rectum (total colectomy). Ileostomies can be both temporary or permanent.

Temporary or permanent ileostomy

A permanent ileostomy would often result from a total colectomy where an individual’s entire colon and rectum are removed. Or, if an individual’s colon and/or rectum was damaged and no longer functional. The ileostomy makes a new opening for stool to empty out of.

A temporary ileostomy would typically result from a partial large bowel resection, wherein a temporary opening for stool is created to allow remaining parts of the large intestine to heal. Temporary ileostomies can also be placed if an individual requires an extensive bowel surgery that needs to be done in multiple parts and requires time for healing in between. This type of ileostomy is generally reversible.

Comlplications

Large bowel resections and ileostomies typically result from complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), colorectal cancers, severe diverticulitis and trauma.

Because this procedure can be quite invasive and involve partial or full removal of the large bowel and/or rectum, it can result in significant lifestyle changes. Without a sphincter (anus) to control the opening and closing of the colon, stool will continuously empty out of the stoma created by the ileostomy. It therefore involves wearing an ostomy bag, where stool can collect for a period of time and be discarded.

In the early post-operative period, ileostomy bags often have to be emptied more frequently, as stool and be quite loose and gas can build up can cause the bags to rupture.

Diet adjustment post-ileostomy

It takes time for the body to adapt to these internal changes and for an individual with a new ileostomy to learn how to adjust their diet in order to regulate their ostomy output.

As a result, it may be important to seek the services of a dietitian who can provide some guidance around post-ileostomy.