Ileostomy

An ileostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the abdomen, called a stoma, that connects the ileum (the final part of the small intestine) to the outside to allow intestinal contents to exit into a bag.

What it is done for: it is usually indicated when a part of the intestine needs rest or has been removed, for example in certain intestinal diseases or after specific surgeries.

Care it involves: it requires learning to manage the stoma and the bag, as well as attention to the surrounding skin and to hydration.

Which specialist treats it? The general surgeon or the proctologist performs and supervises the procedure, and the oncologist may take part when the underlying cause warrants it. If you have questions about stoma care or notice changes in the skin or in its functioning, it is worth raising them with your trusted medical team.