Ileostomy stool caracteristics: What's normal after undergoing an ileostomy?
In the world of medical procedures, an ileostomy is a common operation that reroutes the small intestine to create an opening, or stoma, in the abdomen for waste elimination. Here's a guide to understanding the typical stool consistency, odour, and management tips for those with an ileostomy.
A person with a high output stoma (HOS) may experience dehydration due to the higher fluid loss in liquid stool. To avoid this, it's advisable to avoid excessive intake of hypotonic drinks like water, tea, and coffee.
The typical consistency of stool after an ileostomy is liquid to toothpaste- or porridge-like, often described as semi-liquid to liquid with some wind (gas). This contrasts with colostomy stool, which is usually more formed. The reason behind this is that the stool bypasses the colon where water is absorbed.
Several factors affect this consistency. The anatomical location, with an ileostomy diverting output from the ileum (small intestine), contributes to the naturally more liquid contents. The ileum has strong peristalsis and a shorter transit time, so contents remain liquid and do not thicken much before excretion. Hydration and diet, fluid intake, and dietary choices also influence stool consistency, with dehydration risk being higher with ileostomies. Day-to-day variability, due to factors like food intake, hydration status, and illness, can also affect stool consistency. Post-surgical healing phase is another factor, with stool initially being more liquid and the stoma more swollen, often stabilising around 6–8 weeks post-surgery.
To manage odour, a person can reduce odour by avoiding certain foods, using an odour-resistant pouch, ensuring the skin barrier is securely stuck to the skin, regularly emptying the pouch, placing deodorant liquids or tablets into the pouch, and checking the skin barrier regularly.
Certain foods can cause flatulence, including eggs, cabbage, broccoli, onions, fish, beans, milk, cheese, carbonated drinks, and alcohol. To help prevent flatulence, a person can eat regularly and eat smaller amounts of food 4-5 times per day.
In case of a blockage, a person should contact their doctor right away if they suspect they have a blockage, which may be indicated by no output for several hours alongside cramps or nausea. After surgery, a doctor may recommend a diet low in fiber, spicy foods, and high-fat foods for the first few weeks. A person can also consult their doctor about products to help lessen gas.
In summary, the usual stool consistency for an ileostomy is liquid to porridge-like, with important implications for fluid balance and skin care around the stoma. This can vary by hydration, diet, and time following surgery. Proper management, including dietary choices, regular emptying of the pouch, and odour control measures, can help improve the quality of life for those with an ileostomy.
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