[ IOA Archived Discussion Forum May 2000 ]
Note: This message was posted June 10, 2000 on the Discussion Forum at the International Ostomy Association (IOA) website. It has been moved here to preserve it because the IOA site no longer includes a discussion forum. If you are looking for an active ostomy discussion board, try the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) board.
In Reply to: New Terminology....Loop or End Ileostomy posted by Connie on June 10, 2000 at 00:04:12:
Dear Connie,
I've drawn a diagram, in the hope of making Steve's explanation even clearer:
The picture of a loop ileostomy illustrates how pulling a loop of intestine through the skin and cutting it produces two stomas, one from above, the other (the mucous fistula) from below. The "shunt" is shown in cross-section, but is actually a small rod parallel to the skin, intended to prevent the whole loop from pulling down beneath the skin.
For an end ileostomy, a stoma is built using only the upstream end. The picture illustrates an end ileostomy used as a "temporary" ostomy, where some intestine downstream from the stoma still exists, but is sealed closed and kept below the skin. If it's a "permanent" ostomy, there wouldn't be any downstream end, as everything downstream from the stoma site will have been removed.
An end ileostomy has a nice, round cross-section and is easy to pouch; very likely, you can use wafers with pre-cut circular openings. A loop ileostomy is larger and irregularly shaped. You'll almost certainly have to cut custom openings in your wafers. It may be more difficult to obtain a good pouch seal because of this irregular shape (not to mention the "shunt" which may interfere with sealing of the wafer).
Also, because the loop ileostomy is larger, it may leave you with more scarring after it is taken down.
Bob
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