The process of digestion starts when you chew your foods and swallow them. That food passes through your esophagus and enters your stomach, where acids and other digestive enzymes break it down even further to form a liquid mixture. This mixture then passes to the small intestine.
The six meters long small intestine is where a significant part of the digestion process takes place. This part of the bowel absorbs everything from proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats into the body. The leftover digestive material is passed to the large bowel, also known as the large intestine.
When digestive wastes enter into the large bowel, they are generally in the form of liquids due to an excess amount of moisture. The large intestine absorbs moisture and stores digestive wastes until you feel the urge to move your bowels.
What is a loop ileostomy?
A surgically created opening into your bowel is known as an ostomy. If it is created on the small intestine, it is an ileostomy. And if it is on the large intestine, it is a colostomy. A loop ileostomy is when the surgeon doesn’t disconnect the ileum from the colon or large bowel completely.
The surgeon, during surgery, brings a loop of the small intestine out through a cut in the belly. He then makes a small incision on the top of that loop to create a stoma. A supporting rod or bridge is placed under that loop to prevent it from sinking into the abdomen. This rod is usually removed 5-7 days after surgery.
A loop ileostomy creates two openings in a stoma. One of these openings passes out stools, while the other one remains idle. This second opening is the pathway to the colon and rectum. Since the active part of the stoma doesn’t have any sphincter muscles, you will not be able to control when to move your bowels. That is why wearing an ostomy bag the entire time is an utmost necessity.
Ileostomy output
Your stoma will start producing output a few hours after surgery. This output will be more watery during the first few days. However, its consistency will thicken over time. The average amount of the stomal output passing out of an ileostomy is 500-800ml per 24 hours. If it is greater than 1000ml per day, you may need to consult with your physician.
Managing your loop stoma
A stoma doesn’t stop you from bathing and showering, eating your favorite foods, and going out for traveling.
If you have a stoma, you can bathe or shower just like you have been doing before surgery. Water and soap will not enter your stoma. However, the stomal output discharge can happen at any time, so it is best to wear an ostomy bag the entire time.
While you will be able to eat anything you want eventually, you will need to take a restricted diet for the first few weeks after surgery. That will allow your GI tract to recover from the impact of surgery and adapt to its new length. You may need to bring some changes to your dietary habits, though.
You will have to be particularly careful about the skin around your stoma. Make sure to wear an ostomy bag that makes a proper seal with your peristomal skin. You may also need to ensure extra protection with the help of some supplementary products. The best way is to discuss your condition with an ostomy care nurse and ask for suggestions.
