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Learning about ileostomy

How do I take care of my ileostomy?

Beginning life with an ileostomy can bring many new emotions and questions and it’s completely natural to need time to adjust. As you learn what an ileostomy is, how it works and how it may shape your daily routines, clear guidance can make each step feel easier. Here, you’ll find simple, practical information to support you.

What is an ileostomy?

An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the small bowel (ileum) that is brought to the surface of your belly. Through this opening, called an ileostomy, small bowel contents leave your body. A stoma bag fits over the stoma and collects your stool.

What makes an ileostomy necessary?

An ileostomy is usually created during surgery when part of the bowel needs to be removed or bypassed.

It is often required in situations such as inflammatory bowel disease, genetic conditions that affect the intestine, when the colon is removed or other health issues that prevent the bowel from functioning properly.

An ileostomy is always a step taken with your well‑being in mind, to protect your health, support recovery and help you continue living your life with greater comfort and confidence.

Temporary or permanent

An ileostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for surgery.

How does an ileostomy work and what sort of output can it have?

Living with an ileostomy means your body works in a different way. As the large bowel has been bypassed or removed, your stool is usually more liquid and more frequent.

How your body functions with an ileostomy

Your digestive system continues to break down food as before. The main difference is in the final step:

The output can occur continuously, as the stoma has no sphincter muscle.
You empty or change the stoma bag when needed.
You no longer use the toilet for bowel movements in the traditional way.
Because the large bowel is not involved, the body absorbs less water, salts and some vitamins, which makes it necessary to pay particular attention to hydration and nutrition.

What ileostomy output looks like

The appearance of ileostomy output is usually:

Thin, mushy or watery, since the colon no longer thickens stool.
Influenced by diet, hydration and physical activity, just like before the surgery.

How do I choose the right bag for my ileostomy?

To collect your stool, special stoma bags have been developed. These come in different shapes and sizes. Drainable stoma bags are specially designed for liquid stool and can be emptied easily without replacing the entire bag. This makes daily care simpler and more convenient. Together with your stoma nurse, you’ll find the solution that fits your needs best. B. Braun offers aroll‑up system that is hygienic thanks to the plastic closure tabs.

Your ileostomy can help you regain comfort and confidence. Trust your journey, you’re moving forward with strength every day.

A smiling young woman in a yellow shirt and blue jeans sitting on a wooden dining table in a modern, open-concept kitchen and dining room.

Searching for the right ileostomy bag?

Request your free stoma bag sample and find a fit that gives you comfort.

Questions you might have about ileostomy

If your output is pasty or liquid, you may prefer a drainable bag with a bottom outlet, as it allows easier and more frequent emptying without replacing the entire pouch. These types of bags are commonly used by patients with an ileostomy

If you use a drainable bag, especially with semi‑liquid or paste‑like output, you typically empty it into the toilet when it becomes one‑third full. The entire bag is usually replaced every 24 hours, offering flexibility throughout the day.

With an ileostomy, output is more liquid and rich in digestive enzymes, which can irritate the skin around the stoma. To protect it, use a well‑fitting stoma bag, apply skin barrier products, and check the skin regularly.