What Is an Ileostomy?

An ileostomy is a surgery that helps your body get rid of poop in a new way.

During surgery, the doctor brings the end of your small intestine out through your belly. This opening is called a stoma. Poop now comes out through the stoma instead of going through your bottom.

You wear a pouch over the stoma to collect the poop.

• The stoma is usually on the right side of your belly
• The poop is usually soft or watery
• You may need to empty your pouch 4 to 6 times a day
• Ileostomy poop can irritate skin, so good care is very important

What Is Normal?

Your Stoma

• Should look red, shiny, and wet, like the inside of your mouth
• It does not hurt to touch
• It may bleed a little if rubbed — this is normal
• Go to the emergency room if bleeding does not stop or comes from deep inside the stoma

Skin Around the Stoma

• Should look like the rest of your belly
• Keep poop off your skin to prevent soreness
• Measure your stoma often (especially in the first 8 weeks) so your pouch fits well
• Shaving hair around the stoma helps the pouch stick better
• Call your specialized nurse if the skin becomes red, itchy, sore, or painful

About the Pouching System

Your pouching system has two main parts:

1. The Skin Barrier

• Sticky part that sticks to your skin
• Fits closely around the stoma
• Types:
  • Moldable
  • Cut-to-fit
  • Pre-cut
• Leave no more than 3 mm of space around the stoma
• Convex barriers push gently around the stoma to help prevent leaks (used for flat or tricky stomas)

2. The Pouch

• Can be clear or tan
• Is odor-proof
• Can have a filter to let gas out
• Types:
  • Drainable (empty and reuse)
  • Closed-end (throw away after use)

👉 Empty the pouch when it is ⅓ to ½ full

👉 A pouch that gets too full can leak or pull on your skin

Basic Stoma Care

• Clean skin with warm water only
• Do NOT use oils, creams, wipes, or lotions
• Gently pat dry
• Some redness after removing the barrier is normal
• Do not “patch” leaks with tape — change the pouch
• Call your nurse if burning, itching, or leaking continues
• Change your pouch system every 5–7 days

Food and Drink

Eating Tips

• Eat small meals every 3–4 hours
• Do not skip meals
• Chew food very well
• Try new foods slowly

Drinking Tips

• Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid daily
• Sip instead of drinking large amounts
• Wait 30–45 minutes after eating before drinking

Dehydration (Not Enough Fluids)

Signs:

• Dry mouth
• Dark urine
• Peeing less
• Feeling dizzy or very thirsty

👉 Call your healthcare provider if this happens

Food Blockage (Emergency)

Signs:

• No poop coming out
• Bad-smelling watery stool
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Swollen belly or stoma
• Nausea or vomiting

👉 Stop eating

👉 Keep drinking if not vomiting

👉 Go to emergency or call your healthcare provider

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can happen from:

• Certain foods
• Illness
• Antibiotics or medicines

Foods That Thicken Poop

• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Potatoes
• Marshmallows

Foods That Loosen Poop

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Prunes
• Spicy foods
• Some fruits and vegetables

Gas and Odor

• Pouches block odor when sealed well
• Gas is normal
• Filters help reduce ballooning

Foods That Cause Gas

• Beans
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Soda
• Beer
• Dairy

Foods That Help Reduce Odor

• Yogurt
• Cranberry juice
• Parsley
• Tomato juice

Activities and Bathing

• You can shower, bathe, or swim with your pouch on or off
• Water will not harm your stoma
• Empty pouch before activities
• Change pouch after hot tubs or heavy sweating
• Do not wear a wet pouch for long periods

Intimacy

• You can still have close relationships
• Empty pouch before intimacy
• Wear pouch covers or special underwear if helpful
• Try different positions if uncomfortable
• Never put anything inside the stoma