Ileostomy

An ileostomy is the result of a surgical operation that raises a piece of the small intestine (the ileum) to the surface of the abdomen. It is often called a stoma for short. A specialist appliance (bag), available free on an NHS prescription, is required to collect the waste (semi solid faecal material) from the stoma.

This operation is performed for many reasons, including (but by no means exclusively) cancer. Having an ileostomy may affect the way in which an individual feels about their body and its function.

Specialist help is available from stoma care Nurse Specialists (found at nearly all NHS hospitals and many of them cover a community area).

If the Ileostomy is permanent the NHS will provide appliances free of charge/prescription costs.

Contacts

Review date: November 2010