What does ileostomy mean?
An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that diverts waste from the ileum, the final section of the small intestine, out of the body. It is commonly created when disease or surgery makes normal elimination through the anus unsafe or impossible. A pouch or bag attached around the opening collects the waste. The procedure may be temporary, allowing the affected part of the intestine to heal, or permanent. In medical writing and discussion, 'ileostomy' is distinguished from a colostomy by the part of the intestine involved: the ileum in the case of an ileostomy, and the large intestine in the case of a colostomy. The term comes from Greek roots referring to the ileum and the mouth or opening.
nounAn ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that allows waste from the ileum, the final part of the small intestine, to leave the body. It is usually fitted with a pouch or bag to collect the waste.
- A surgically created opening that allows intestinal waste to pass from the ileum out of the body, usually into an external collection pouch.
"After surgery, she learned how to empty and change the bag attached to her ileostomy."
"The surgeon performed an ileostomy to allow the diseased section of the intestine to heal."
"People with an ileostomy may use a specialized pouch to collect waste."
The plural is used when referring to multiple ileostomies or to the procedure in several cases.
"The nurse explained how to care for ileostomies of different types."
An ileostomy creates a new route for the body to empty its intestines without involving the anus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ileostomy come from?
The word combines the Greek 'eileos', meaning ileum, with 'stoma', meaning mouth or opening. In medicine, 'stoma' developed into a general term for an opening created in the body for drainage or diversion. The compound 'ileostomy' was adopted in the late 19th century and is related to terms such as 'ileal', 'ileum', and 'ileitis'.
How ileostomy is actually used
This is a medical term used in clinical and health-care contexts. The related adjective is 'ileostomy-related'; people who have the procedure are commonly called 'ostomates' in some support organizations.
Easily confused with ileostomy
An ileostomy diverts waste from the small intestine, whereas a colostomy diverts waste from the large intestine.