Patient/caregiver was educated on complications with ileostomy as follows:

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance:

  1. Individuals on ileostomy lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes in the stool. Fluid and electrolytes are significantly absorbed in the large intestine.
  2. So, a stoma placed ahead of large intestine along the length of the bowels, such as in ileostomy, will fail to absorb all the water and electrolytes that normally were destined to get absorbed in the large intestine.
  3. As a result of fluid and electrolyte loss, these individuals are at increased risk for presentation with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
  4. Individuals with ileostomy must observe closely for signs and symptoms of evolving dehydration, such as, feeling thirsty, dark-colored urine, feeling lightheaded, and dry mouth & lips.
  5. These individuals must also observe compliance with increased fluid intake and electrolyte supplementation, as recommended, to help prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from developing.

Leakage of stool and skin irritation:

  1. Poorly measured stomas, improperly cut wafers, and loosely attached ileostomy bags can all lead to stool leakage and accidents.
  2. This can invite embarrassing situations, when in public.
  3. Leakage of stool, frequent exposure of the skin surrounding stoma to moisture, and tightly adherent adhesive used to fix the ileostomy bag can result in irritation of skin and over a period of time can lead to severe inflammation and injury.
  4. Measures such as, appropriately measured stomas, properly cut wafers, caution exercised with attaching the ileostomy bags, using barrier rings, emptying the bag periodically, and use of adhesive remover can all help prevent leakage of stool and risk for skin irritation.

Abdominal discomfort and pain:

  1. Eating multiple smaller meals, especially during the first 6-8 weeks of initiating on ileostomy can be helpful versus having three bigger meals.
  2. Larger portions in one sitting can lead to abdominal discomfort and pain. Multiple meals with smaller portions could be better tolerated.
  3. Individuals can slowly graduate to eating regular three big meals, over a period of time, as tolerated.