Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy

Ileostomy  |  Colostomy  |  Managing your stoma

Sometimes, during surgery, it may be necessary for the surgeon to form an artificial opening on the the wall of your abdomen called a 'stoma' to collect waste.

The stoma may be temporary (to allow the bowel time to heal) or permanent.

There are different types of stoma and, if you need one, the type you have depends on the location of your tumour and the type of surgery you need.


An 'ileostomy' is a stoma formed by bringing the end or loop of small bowel (the ileum) out on to the surface of your abdomen.

If possible, you may be able to agree on a site for your stoma with your stoma nurse before your operation. This is usually made on the right-hand side of your body, but may in some circumstances be on the left-hand side.

The stoma will be moist and pinkish red in colour and will protrude slightly from your abdomen.

It may be quite swollen to begin with but will reduce in size over time – usually after 6-8 weeks.

Despite being red, there is no sensation in the stoma and it's not painful.

The intestinal waste passes out of the ileostomy and is collected in an external pouching system (generally known as an ileostomy bag).

Ileostomies can be formed during surgery to allow the colon to rest and heal following your surgery. Usually, following a period of 8–10 weeks, the ileostomy is reversed and you go back to using your bowels in the usual way.

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy


A 'colostomy' is a stoma formed by bringing part of your colon (large bowel) out on to the surface of your abdomen.

If possible, you may be able to agree on a site for your stoma with your stoma nurse before your operation. The opening is usually made on the left-hand side of your body, but may in some circumstances be on the right-hand side.

The stoma will be moist and pinkish red in colour and will protrude slightly from your abdomen.

It may be quite swollen to begin with but will reduce in size over time – usually after 6-8 weeks.

Despite being red, there is no sensation in the stoma and it's not painful.

The intestinal waste, (which is 'formed' having passed through the colon where water is absorbed) passes out of the colostomy and is collected in an external pouching system (generally known as a colostomy bag).

A temporary colostomy can be formed to 're-route' poo away from the section of the colon which has been operated on.

A second operation is later carried out to reverse the stoma and allow the patient to resume normal bowel function.

Permanent colostomies also need to be formed for some patients if the surgeon is unable to join the ends of the bowel that are left or if your anus needs to removed due to the location of the tumour.

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy


Your surgeon will tell you before surgery, during the consent process, if you might need a stoma to be formed.

It's not always possible to know 100 percent either way as the decision is often made during the surgery once the surgeon can see the tumour and what needs to be surgically removed.

You may meet with the stoma nurse before the surgery who is a specialist in caring for patients who require a stoma.

They will discuss with you where the stoma will be on your abdomen and answer any questions or concerns you have.

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy

Managing your stoma after surgery


You will meet with the stoma nurse again after the operation. They understand it can be very daunting at first and that learning to manage your stoma will take time and practice.

No-one expects you to be an expert overnight.

For the first few days, the stoma nurse and the nurses on the ward will help you with your stoma.

As soon as you are well enough, the stoma nurse will show you how to clean your stoma, and how to change the bag.

They will give you hints and tips on how to independently manage your stoma, including how to be thoroughly prepared before you start changing the bag so you know you have everything you need to hand in the bathroom. If appropriate, they may also talk to you about irrigation as a method of managing your stoma (colostomies only) instead of wearing a bag.

They will also talk to you about the different types of appliances (bags) that are available and which one might be best for you.

It might be useful to have a relative or friend with you at this time in case you need help or support when you get home.

Once you are able to manage your stoma independently and the medical team are happy with you, you will be discharged home. Your stoma nurse will ensure you have a plentiful supply of stoma bags to go home with and explain how to order more products as required. 

After surgery some people can eat normal foods and have normal output from their stoma. However, some people experience loose bowel motions or constipation (blockage). The low fibre diet is often suggested for people with a stoma who are experiencing difficult bowel motions and for some people temporarily after a stoma reversal. Visit our ostomy low fibre diet webpage for more information and recipes. 

Download or order a copy of Bowel Cancer Australia's Ileostomy & Colostomy booklet, which provides essential advice for before and after your operation and has been written to answer some of the questions often asked about having an ileostomy or colostomy.

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy

A colostomy is an opening of the large bowel onto the surface of the tummy (abdomen). You wear a bag over the opening, to collect the waste matter from digestion that would normally be passed from the body as a bowel motion (stool).

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy

Some people with bowel cancer need to have a colostomy. Most of these will be temporary. They will be closed a few months later, when the bowel has fully healed.

Women with vaginal cancer, or cervical cancer that has spread outside the womb, may need to have a big operation called a pelvic exenteration. This operation involves having a permanent colostomy.

There might be other situations with other types of cancers where you need to have a colostomy. But it is not common.

Why you might have an ileostomy

You might have a temporary ileostomy with surgery to remove part of the colon. This is to give your colon time to rest and heal after surgery. Your surgeon joins the ends of the colon back together in another operation. This is called a stoma reversal. Your surgeon will tell you when you are likely to have this operation.

You might need a permanent ileostomy if your surgeon has to remove a large part of your colon and can’t join the remaining ends of colon together. Your surgeon will avoid this if at all possible.

Why would someone have a colostomy and an ileostomy

The stoma nurse

Stoma nurses are experienced in looking after stomas (ileostomies and colostomies) and teaching you how to look after them. A specialist nurse will visit you on the ward to show you what to do. For the first few days after your operation the stoma nurse will help you look after and clean the stoma, and change the bags. They will also help you to find which type of stoma bag is the best for you.

The stoma nurse will see you on the day of the operation. They use a pen to mark where a stoma might be created. For the first few days after your operation the stoma nurse will help you look after and clean the stoma, and change the bags. They will also help you to find which type of stoma bag is the best for you.

Your stoma nurse will give you stoma bags to take home. You get more from the chemist or a local stockist. Supplies are free, but you need a prescription from your GP. 

Looking after your stoma

Learning to look after a stoma takes time and it can be worrying at first. But you won't be expected to cope on your own. You will find that it gets easier with time. 

It is helpful to keep everything you need to change your stoma bag together in one place. That way, you won't be half way through and realise that something vital is missing.

Continence organisations and stoma suppliers

Continence organisations

Bladder and Bowel Foundation SATRA Innovation Park Rockingham Road Kettering Northants

NN16 9JH

Phone: 01536 533255 Nurse helpline: 0845 345 0165

Email: 


Website: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/

The Bladder and Bowel Foundation formed in 2008 from the former organisations Incontact and the Continence Foundation. It supports people living with bladder and bowel disorders.They have a confidential telephone helpline which is staffed by specialist continence nurses and physiotherapists. They can also give you information about stoma products. Has a 'Just can't wait' card to allow holders access to toilets in shops and pubs etc.

Medical Advisory Service PO Box 3087

London W4 4ZP

General Medical Helpline: 020 8994 9874 (Monday to Friday, 6pm to 8pm)
Email: 
Website: www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk

The Medical Advisory Service offers information and advice on medical and health care matters.

Suppliers of stoma appliances

Charter Care Delivered The Links Peterborough

PE2 6BJ

Phone: 0800 587 4047 or 03301 233188 from a mobile
Email: 
Website: www.coloplastcharter.co.uk/

Delivers supplies of prescription colostomy and ileostomy equipment to people's homes.

Convatec Ltd Stoma Customer Care Unit 20, First Avenue - Deeside Industrial Park Flintshire CH5 2NU Telephone for stoma care: 0800 282254 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Email: 


Website: www.convatec.co.uk/stoma-care

Delivers supplies of prescription colostomy and ileostomy equipment. Also gives information on all areas of stoma care. Has a helpline for anyone who has a stoma.

Hollister Ltd Rectory Court 42 Broad Street Wokingham Berkshire

RG40 1AB

Phone: 0800 521377 (Customer Care team)
Website: www.hollister.com/uk/ostomy/

A company that provides products for people with stomas. They have a delivery service for prescribed appliances.

Ostomy Covers by Linda Linda Butler 2 Holmes Road Kirton End Boston Lincs

PE20 1SP

Phone: 01205 723327
Email: 
Website: www.ostomycoversbylinda.co.uk

Handcrafted covers made to fit every size of ostomy bag or pouch following surgery resulting in a stoma, for example ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy. The covers come in a wide range of fabrics and are specifically tailored to fit each individual stoma bag.

Rusch UK Stirling Road Cressex Business Park High Wycombe

HP12 3ST

Phone: 01494 532761
Fax: 01494 524650

Makers and suppliers of colostomy and ileostomy appliances and equipment.

08 Aug 2019