Ileostomy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ileostomy?
A colorectal surgeon, a surgeon who treats the colon and rectum, usually does this surgery. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive diseases, often cares for the bowel disease behind it. An ostomy nurse, a nurse trained in ostomy care, helps you learn daily care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an ileostomy?
An ileostomy is a surgery that moves waste out of the body. It is done when the colon or rectum is not working properly.
The surgeon makes an opening in the belly wall. The end of the ileum is brought through that opening. The ileum is the lowest part of the small intestine.
The new opening is called a stoma. A stoma has no muscle, so it cannot control the timing or flow of waste. Most people wear a removable pouch on the skin around the stoma to collect the waste.
Symptoms
These are problems that can happen after an ileostomy.
- Bleeding from the stoma, which is more common in the first 30 days.
- Retraction, which means the stoma sinks below the level of the skin.
- Prolapse, which means part of the intestine pushes out through the stoma.
- A stricture, which is a narrowing of the stoma that makes it hard for waste to pass.
- A hernia, which is a bulge of belly contents through a weak spot in the belly wall near the stoma.
- Skin irritation if waste leaks onto the skin, which can happen if the pouch does not fit well.
- Skin infection with bacteria or fungi.
- Dehydration, which means the body does not have enough fluid.
- Trouble absorbing nutrients, and a blockage of the intestine.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors suggest an ileostomy when a problem with the large intestine can only be treated with surgery, for reasons such as these.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease. This is the most common reason for the surgery.
- Colon or rectal cancer.
- Familial adenomatous polyposis, an inherited condition that can lead to colorectal cancer.
- Birth defects that involve the intestines.
- An injury or another intestinal emergency.
An ileostomy may be used for a short or long time. You need an ileostomy long term if all of your large intestine and rectum have been removed.
How doctors diagnose it
Your surgeon and an ostomy nurse may help you get ready. They help choose where the stoma will go. Stomas are usually placed in the lower part of the belly, just below the beltline.
Tell your care team about every medicine you take. Your surgeon will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery.
Treatment
You will receive general anesthesia for the surgery. Surgeons may use laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery.
Most people stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days.
After surgery, you wear a pouch. The pouch is emptied one or more times per day. Your ostomy nurse can teach you how to use the pouch. The nurse can also teach you how to care for the skin around your stoma.
For the first several weeks after surgery, health care professionals may recommend eating a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need while you recover. They may also suggest drinking enough liquids to prevent dehydration and avoiding high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, and corn.
Contact sports and heavy lifting could injure the stoma.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor or ostomy nurse if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms after the surgery.
Get medical help right away if you have any of these.
- A change in the size, shape, color, or odor of the stoma.
- An injury or deep cut to the stoma.
- Belly cramping that lasts for more than 2 or 3 hours.
- Nausea and vomiting that is severe or does not stop.
- No gas or stool from the stoma for more than 4 to 6 hours, along with cramping and nausea.
- Severe diarrhea or watery output from the stoma, which could lead to dehydration.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or bleeding from the stoma that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can help with checkups, medicine questions, and follow-up visits around your surgery. They can also coordinate care with your surgeon, ostomy nurse, and digestive specialist.
Common questions
Is an ileostomy permanent?
It can be either one. Your stoma may be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason you need the surgery. A temporary one is closed later with a second surgery.
Can I stay active with an ileostomy?
Yes, most people can do most of the activities they did before surgery. This includes most sports, travel, gardening, hiking, and most types of work.
Will I need to change my diet?
Yes, for the first several weeks after surgery, health care professionals may recommend eating a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need while you recover. They may also suggest avoiding high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, and corn. After you recover, many people can go back to their regular diet.
How often is the pouch emptied?
The pouch is emptied one or more times per day.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
