Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for ileostomy as follows:
Congenital defects:
- Some birth defects can necessitate an ileostomy in newborn babies. Babies could sometimes be born with defects, such as, spina bifida.
- Spina bifida is a condition in which the spine is poorly formed in the newborn. Nerves supplying the bowel and bladder come from the terminal portion of the spine.
- Poor formation of spine in babies with spina bifida result in poor nerve supply to the bladder and bowel, contributing to poor bowel and bladder control.
- Arrangement for ileostomy could be made in these individuals to help proper elimination of stool and hygiene.
Inflammatory bowel disease:
- Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition, secondary to chronic inflammation in the intestines.
- The inflammation can damage the intestinal wall, which becomes swollen and develop ulcers giving rise to intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, discomfort, and nutrition impairment.
- Factors like diet and stress can aggravate the symptoms of intestinal inflammation.
- Depending on the site of intestinal segment involved, an ileostomy opening proximal to the inflamed intestinal segment can help elimination of stool & hygiene, allowing an opportunity for the affected intestine to heal.
