What is an ileostomy?

Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, for example, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, sometimes cause such damage to the patient’s large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for this to be entirely removed. The lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is then brought out through the abdominal wall so that the bodily waste matter can be collected in an externally attached bag or pouch.

What is an internal pouch?

As an alternative to an ileostomy,
a reservoir is created from the patients small intestine, which is then
reconnected to the rectum allowing body waste to be passed
in the normal way.

[boxibt style=”success”]Information Courtesy of:
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group
P.O. Box 132, Scunthorpe,  DN15 9YW.

Tel: 0800 018 4724.
Fax: 01724 721601.

For Further information visit the website:
www.the-ia.org.uk[/boxibt]