Ileostomy Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

An ileostomy is a surgically created opening that connects the small intestine to the abdominal wall. This procedure diverts stool into a stoma bag when the intestines cannot function normally. It is performed either temporarily or permanently, depending on the underlying condition.

Ileostomy surgery is commonly preferred in serious situations such as inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, or bowel obstruction. During the operation, the end of the intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall, ensuring that stool can be safely eliminated.

Living with an ileostomy requires specific care and hygiene routines. Regular changing of the stoma bag and protecting the surrounding skin are essential. With proper education and dietary adjustments, patients can confidently continue their daily lives.

Possible ileostomy-related complications include narrowing of the stoma, skin irritation, or infection. These risks can be minimized with regular medical follow-up and appropriate care measures. Ileostomy is an effective treatment option in life-threatening intestinal conditions.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Ileostomy Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Ileostomy Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Ileostomy Surgery is performed.

Why Would Someone Need an Ileostomy?

The decision to create an ileostomy is made when part of the digestive system needs to be protected, rested, or completely bypassed. The large intestine (colon)—the last major stop in digestion—absorbs water from stool, making it more solid. In certain diseases or after major surgeries, allowing stool to pass through the colon or rectum can be risky. An ileostomy changes the route of stool to reduce these risks and protect healing tissues. Depending on the condition, it may be temporary or permanent.

A temporary ileostomy is most often created as a protective measure. A common reason is to protect a new bowel connection (anastomosis) after colon or rectal surgery. If stool passes through this fragile stitched area too early, it can lead to infection and a potentially life-threatening “anastomotic leak.” Creating a temporary ileostomy above the connection keeps the area clean and allows safe healing. After a few months, this stoma can usually be closed with a relatively simple operation.

Some situations that may require a temporary ileostomy include:

• Protecting the anastomosis after rectal cancer surgery
• Protecting an ileal pouch (IPAA) procedure for ulcerative colitis
• Bowel perforations
• Severe intra-abdominal infections
• Traumatic bowel injuries

A permanent ileostomy is performed when the colon and rectum are removed entirely and normal bowel continuity cannot be restored.

Main conditions that may require a permanent ileostomy include:

• Severe ulcerative colitis unresponsive to medical treatment
• Crohn’s disease extensively involving the colon
• Inherited syndromes such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• Advanced rectal or anal cancers involving the sphincter muscles
• Severe fecal incontinence that cannot be treated otherwise

Which Type of Ileostomy Is Preferred in Different Situations?

Ileostomies are generally divided into two main types based on the technique and purpose: End Ileostomy and Loop Ileostomy. The surgeon selects the most appropriate option based on the patient’s condition. Both have specific advantages and indications.

End Ileostomy is the standard method most commonly used for permanent stomas. In this technique, the small bowel is completely divided and the functioning end is brought out through the abdominal wall. A key feature is that the end of the bowel is folded outward (like a rosebud) and sutured to the skin, creating a protruding stoma. This helps direct the liquid intestinal output into the pouch and reduces contact with the skin, preventing significant skin complications.

Key characteristics of an end ileostomy include:

• Most often used for permanent situations
• Only one bowel opening is present on the stoma
• Protruding “spout” structure helps protect the skin
• Typically done when the entire colon has been removed

Loop Ileostomy is the most common temporary, protective stoma type. In this technique, the intestine is not fully divided. Instead, a loop of bowel is brought out through the abdominal wall and opened, creating two adjacent openings. One is the active opening where stool exits, and the other is a passive opening that drains mucus from the downstream bowel segment. Because it is easier to close, loop ileostomy is ideal for temporary protective purposes.

Key characteristics of a loop ileostomy include:

• Usually temporary and protective
• Two adjacent bowel openings are present
• Often has a flatter structure
• Closure surgery is technically simpler

How Does an Ileostomy Affect How the Body Works?

When an ileostomy is created, the body’s water and mineral balance changes significantly. The main reason is that the colon—responsible for absorbing water—is no longer part of the system. Understanding this physiology is one of the most important steps to living well with a stoma.

Normally, after food is digested in the small intestine, it enters the colon in a very watery form. You can think of the colon as a large sponge that reabsorbs water and salt, absorbing around 1.5 liters of fluid daily and turning stool more solid. With an ileostomy, this “sponge” is bypassed. As a result, the liquid intestinal content—along with water and valuable electrolytes—flows directly into the pouch.

This creates a continuous risk of fluid and salt loss. People with an ileostomy can become dehydrated more easily than others. In the early postoperative period, stoma output may reach 1–1.5 liters per day. Over time, the small intestine adapts and begins absorbing more water, and daily output often decreases to around 600–1200 ml. However, this adaptation never fully matches the colon’s efficiency.

Recognizing dehydration early is crucial. Early signs of dehydration include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Reduced urine volume and darker urine
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness, especially when standing up
• Reduced skin elasticity

If you notice these symptoms, start drinking fluids that contain salt and sugar (such as ayran or oral rehydration solutions) promptly.

What Happens During Ileostomy Surgery?

A successful ileostomy does not start in the operating room—it begins with careful planning. The most critical step is choosing the correct stoma site. A poorly positioned stoma can cause lifelong leakage, skin damage, and a significant reduction in quality of life.

Before surgery, a stoma care nurse typically helps mark the stoma site. This is done while the patient is standing, sitting, and bending, to evaluate how the abdominal wall changes. The goal is to find a smooth, accessible area where the pouch can adhere properly.

Key factors considered when selecting a good stoma site include:

• The patient must be able to see the stoma easily
• Avoiding skin folds and old surgical scars
• Keeping away from the beltline or waistband
• Avoiding bony prominences (e.g., hip bone)
• Preferably passing through the rectus muscle for stability

During surgery, a coin-sized piece of skin is removed at the marked location. After passing through the abdominal wall layers, the relevant segment of the small intestine is brought out. The surgeon ensures that blood supply is intact and the bowel is not twisted. Finally, the bowel is carefully sutured to the skin to form the stoma.

How Are Recovery and Nutrition After Ileostomy?

The postoperative period is an adaptation process in which your body adjusts to the new anatomy and you receive training in stoma care. Nurses and your medical team are your closest supporters during this time. While in the hospital, the stoma’s color and vitality are monitored regularly. A healthy stoma should be pink-red and moist.

Because output is expected to be high early on, intravenous fluids are often given to prevent dehydration. Once bowel function returns, nutrition starts with clear liquids and progresses slowly to solid foods. During this transition, a low-fiber, easy-to-digest diet is commonly recommended.

Low-fiber foods often recommended after discharge include:

• White bread, rice, pasta
• Rice porridge, mashed potatoes
• Well-cooked, peeled, seedless vegetables
• Bananas, applesauce, peeled peaches
• Lean chicken, fish, and eggs

Over time, most patients can return to a more normal diet. However, the golden rule for living with an ileostomy is chewing food very well. Certain foods can increase the risk of mechanical blockage at the stoma level and should be consumed carefully.

Foods that may increase blockage risk include:

• Nuts and seeds (hazelnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds)
• Popcorn
• Mushrooms
• Raw fibrous vegetables (celery, cabbage, corn)
• Fruit peels and the white pith of citrus fruits

You do not necessarily need to eliminate these foods completely, but it is best to reintroduce them in small portions and with plenty of fluids.

What Are Possible Ileostomy Complications?

Like all surgical procedures, ileostomy carries certain risks and potential complications. Knowing these helps you recognize problems early and take timely action. The most common issues fall into metabolic and mechanical categories.

High-output stoma is one of the most frequent and important conditions to monitor. It is typically defined as output exceeding 1.5–2 liters per day. This can rapidly cause dehydration, significant electrolyte imbalance, and kidney problems. Bowel infections, certain medications, or inadequate intestinal adaptation may trigger this.

If a high-output stoma occurs, suggested steps include:

• Limiting hypotonic fluids such as plain water and tea
• Increasing salty fluids such as ayran, mineral water, and salty soups
• Using oral rehydration solutions (ORS) available at pharmacies
• Consulting a doctor about medications that slow bowel motility

Peristomal skin problems (peristomal dermatitis) occur when leakage allows intestinal contents to contact the skin, causing redness, itching, burning, and wounds. The best treatment is preventing leakage.

Tips to prevent skin problems include:

• Cutting the pouch opening to match the stoma size
• Cleaning and fully drying the skin before applying a new pouch
• Using protective barrier paste or rings when needed

Mechanical complications relate to the stoma itself, such as retraction (sinking), prolapse (protruding outward), or parastomal hernia. Many cases can be managed without surgery using appropriate pouch systems or hernia support belts. However, surgery may be required if there is pain, obstruction, or major fitting problems.

When and How Is a Temporary Ileostomy Closed?

If the ileostomy was created temporarily (for example, to protect an anastomosis), closure can be planned once the purpose has been achieved. This is often done about 2–3 months after the initial operation. If the patient needs additional treatments such as chemotherapy, the timeline may be extended.

Before closure surgery, it is important to confirm that the downstream bowel is healthy and patent. This is usually assessed with contrast imaging or endoscopic evaluation. If these tests show no leakage or narrowing, closure surgery can proceed.

Common requirements before deciding on closure include:

• Complete healing of the protected anastomosis
• No bowel narrowing (stricture)
• The patient’s overall health is suitable for surgery
• Completion of additional treatments such as chemotherapy (if applicable)
• Adequate anal sphincter function (continence)

During surgery, an incision is made around the stoma, and the bowel is freed from the abdominal wall. The stoma ends are removed, and the two healthy bowel ends are reconnected to restore continuity. The bowel is returned into the abdomen and the abdominal wall layers are closed. After closure, diarrhea and frequent bowel movements can be normal for a period and often improve over a few months.

How Can Quality of Life Be Maintained with an Ileostomy?

An ileostomy is a life-changing experience, but it does not prevent you from living a full and active life. It is normal to face psychological challenges early on due to body image changes and new routines. With accurate information, support, and time, most people adapt successfully.

Modern stoma products are highly advanced—odor-proof, secure, and discreet under clothing. Many patients return to work, travel, exercise, and continue social activities as before. The key is making stoma care a normal part of daily routine.

Practical tips for living well with an ileostomy include:

• Carry a small emergency kit with a spare pouch and supplies when leaving home.
• Use stoma products designed for activities such as swimming when needed.
• Plan ahead for long trips and bring enough supplies.
• Consider joining a stoma support group to connect with others who share the experience.
• Choose more comfortable clothing rather than tight waistbands.

As long as you choose, most people will never notice you have a stoma.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone—family, friends, your doctor, and your stoma nurse are there to support you.