What happens right after the procedure?

Careful skin care and a well-applied pouch will help to prevent skin problems. The healthcare provider will assist with the initial choice and fitting of the appliance. Most pouches are odor-resistant and disposable. The appliance is emptied every 4 to 6 hours. An emptying spout is located at the bottom of the appliance. The appliance is usually changed every 5 to 7 days.

Before a fresh pouch is applied, the skin around the stoma is gently cleansed with a mild soap and patted dry. A gauze dressing may be used to cover the stoma during cleansing. If irritation or a yeast infection is present, the healthcare provider may order nystatin powder to be used on the skin around the stoma. A skin barrier, which might be a wafer or paste, is then applied. The backing of the adhesive surface of the pouch is removed, and the bag is pressed down firmly around the stoma.

A person receiving an ileostomy has many questions about lifestyle changes. Family relationships, sexual function, and body image are all areas of concern to be discussed with a healthcare provider. Adjustment to life with an ileostomy and monitoring for complications will be parts of an ongoing process.