What is an ileostomy?
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen through which the end of the ileum is brought up to the surface of the skin. This new opening, called a stoma, allows waste to pass directly out if the body, bypassing a diseased or damaged section of the colon. In many cases, the colon is removed. Its function, reabsorbing water and electrolytes, will be carried out to some degree by the small intestine.
