What Does an Ileostomy Do?
An ileostomy removes or goes around (bypasses) the parts of your digestive system that make waste. These parts are your large and small intestine and rectum. Waste now leaves your body through the stoma in your belly. The waste drains into a pouch that is attached to the skin around your stoma. The pouch is made to fit your body well. You must wear it all the time. The waste that collects will be liquid or pasty, depending on what you eat, what medicines you take, and other things. Waste collects constantly, so you will need to empty the pouch 5 to 8 times a day.
