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
