Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
An ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which the small intestine is attached to the abdominal wall in order to bypass the large intestine; digestive waste then exits the body through an artificial opening called a stoma (from the Greek word for "mouth").
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Other Information
An ileostomy is a stoma that has been constructed by bringing the end or loop of small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin. Intestinal waste passes out of the ileostomy and is collected in an external pouching system stuck to the skin. Ileostomies are usually sited above the groin on the right hand side of the abdomen.
Ileostomies are slowly being replaced by the now preferred alternative K-Pouch or BCIR. This surgery turns the small intestine into an internal reserviour thus eliminating the need for an external appliance.
Other Information
Biliary colic is the presenting symptom in 80% of patients with gallstone disease who seek medical care; however, only 10-20% of all individuals with gallstones experience severe gallstone pain.
From: eMedicine
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