Ostomy Guide

Ileostomy vs Colostomy: What Is The Difference?

Both ileostomy and colostomy are bowel diversion surgeries in which a doctor creates an opening in the abdominal skin to allow waste products to leave the body, bypassing the damaged area of the intestine. Both of these procedures are forms of ostomy surgery and may seem similar, but they are quite different. The part of the intestine that is used to divert the passage of stool in each procedure is a major difference.

The digestive system is comprised of the small intestine and the large intestine. While the small intestine absorbs nutrition from food, the large intestine provides a passage to eliminate stools from the body. Any damage or disease of the intestine may require diversion of the passage of stool, which is done using ileostomy and colostomy.

During ostomy surgery, the surgeon brings part of the intestine through the walls of the abdomen and attaches it to the skin creating an opening known as a stoma. As a result, bodily waste exits through the abdominal walls rather than the anus. After this surgery, an ostomy pouch is attached to the stoma to collect the waste.

Ostomy surgeries can be permanent. Sometimes they can also be a temporary measure to give the damaged or diseased intestine time to heal. In other words, surgeons can reverse ostomies in some cases.

While there are many similarities between ileostomies and colostomies, the two procedures are distinct from each other. Learning the difference between these procedures eliminates confusion about treatment. 

What is an Ileostomy?

The ileum is the terminal part of the small intestine, and it helps digest food and absorb nutrients and water. During the ileostomy procedure, the surgeon brings the part of the ileum out through an incision on the right lower abdomen, and it is ewn into position through a stoma. In this case, the stoma usually protrudes out of the abdomen. The feces are in liquid form, and the ostomy bag must be emptied multiple times daily.

Reasons for ileostomy

The reasons for ileostomy may vary; it is often performed due to issues with other sections of the small intestine, such as the duodenum and jejunum. Sometimes, poor functioning of the large intestine (colon) may also require changing the passage of stools by ileostomy.

Ileostomies divert the waste products away from damaged or removed areas of the ileum. Depending on the cause of ileostomy, it can be temporary or permanent. One may need a temporary ileostomy to allow the part of the colon to rest and heal. In other cases, an ileostomy may be permanent.

Health conditions that might warrant an ileostomy include:

• Crohn’s disease 
• Colorectal cancer surgery 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Injuries that involve intestines
• Ulcerative colitis 
• Familial polyposis, which can cause abnormal growth in the colon and rectum, leading to cancer
• Hirschsprung disease

What is a Colostomy?

In a colostomy, a part of the large intestine (colon) is surgically cut and attached to the opening constructed through the abdominal wall. This creates a new route (stoma) through the abdominal wall for the stools to be eliminated from the body. The body waste is then collected in the colostomy bag attached to the stoma.

The colon, the last part of the digestive tract, absorbs any remaining water and nutrients from the food from the small intestine. Thus, with a colostomy, you often have fully formed stools. 

Reasons for Colostomy

Colostomy will divert stool away from the colon and through a stoma on the abdominal wall. Like ileostomy, the colostomy can be temporary or permanent. Certain diseases or injuries can necessitate a colostomy.

Conditions that require a colostomy include:

• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis 
• Colon cancer
• An injury to the colon or rectum
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Blockage in the bowel

Ileostomy vs. Colostomy 

Ostomy Care 

After a colostomy or an ileostomy, one cannot control bowel movements and must always wear an ostomy pouch over the stoma. Specially trained wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurses will teach you and your family members how to care for and live with an ostomy. If you have a colostomy or an ileostomy, a pouching system is used to collect stool from the stoma. The pouching system may have 1 or 2 pieces. They can also be closed-end or drainable pouches.

Best Ostomy Bags for Ileostomy and Colostomy 

Both ileostomies and colostomies are lifesaving surgeries and improve quality of life. Before undergoing any of these surgeries, be sure to discuss certain issues with your doctors, such as medical history, current medicine regimen, and possible risks and complications of surgery.

Health Products For You carries an extensive range of ostomy supplies, including colostomy bags, ileostomy bags, and many other ostomy products at the best prices.

 

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