How Often Do I Drain the Pouch or Continent Ileostomy?
The best way to prevent problems with a continent ileostomy is to drain the pouch as instructed by your doctor. How often to drain the pouch varies from person to person but there are some general guidelines. Right after the operation you will have what doctors call an indwelling catheter, meaning that the drainage tube will be left in the pouch to drain continuously. This will last for about 3 to 4 weeks to allow the pouch to mature. After the catheter is removed, you will drain the pouch several times per day. The number of times you need to drain the pouch each day becomes less over time. Please discuss you specific needs with your doctor, surgeon, or enterostomal therapist (ET), a nurse who specializes in the care of stomas. Most likely this person will meet or has met with you before the operation and has or will be instructing you on how to take care of your stoma, ostomy, or pouch.
