An ileostomy is a surgical opening (stoma) into the small intestine through the abdomen. It allows stool to bypass the colon. It may be temporary or permanent. Because of injury or disease, the colon may be surgically removed, along with the rectum and anus.
Output will range from liquid to mushy with gas. Drainage is usually not odorous. Drainage will change color in response to certain foods eaten.
Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggs, fish, garlic,onions and some spices all may increase the odor of the stool. Pouches are made with an odor-barrier film, so odor is contained within the pouch.
Gas in your pouch varies. If your child was gassy prior to surgery, this will continue. If you are concerned, use a pouch with a filter. This lets gas escape, but not odor. It also prevents gas buildup in the pouch, so it does not inflate like a balloon. Foods that may increase gas include beans, carbonated beverages, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, eggs, fish, garlic, onions, and some spices.
You can still get diarrhea with an ileostomy. To thicken stools, try:
If you suddenly have a blockage or only have watery fluid coming out of your Ileostomy and you have abdominal pain, you may have a food blockage.
Blockage occurs when high fiber foods have difficulty passing through the intestine and exiting the stoma. Sit in a warm bath to see
if the blockage will come out. Foods that can cause this include celery, Chinese vegetables, cocoanut, corn, nuts, dried fruit, mushrooms, marshmallows and popcorn.
The wear time of a pouch typically ranges from 1-2 days for an infant and up to 3 days for child, depending on output, activity, and other factors.
Change the pouch when:
For detailed steps on changing the pouch, refer to the education handout "Pouch change".
To clean the skin around the stoma, just use water and a soft paper towel. Do not use baby wipes, oils, powders, ointments, or lotions on the skin around the stoma, unless directed to do so.
Bathing: Bathing can happen with the pouch on or off. Water will not go into the stoma and does not harm it. The stoma may produce output while bathing. Avoid oily soaps and lotions around the stoma. Dry the skin around the stoma after bathing and check the seal for integrity.
Swimming: Use the pouch while swimming. An ostomy belt or waterproof tape around edge of skin barrier can assist security of system. Remove tape as soon as done as this can irritate skin.
Sleeping: Empty before naps and before bedtime. Kids can sleep on their abdomen; this will not hurt the stoma. Infants should sleep on their backs for safety.
Travel: Pack all supplies as carry-on. Avoid placing the seat belt over the stoma. Carry wet paper towels for clean up, not wipes.
Avoid clothing that has waistbands that might rub against the stoma or that are so snug they prevent the pouch from filling. For small kids, onesies work well.
Call your clinic if:
This is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your doctor.
Ostomate resources: Pull-thru network www.PullthruNetwork.org
Reviewed by WOCN 8/2015
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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