An external ileostomy, which dispels waste into a pouch attached to the site of the stoma, commonly known as a Brooke ileostomy, is the most traditional form of ileostomy procedure performed. However, complications and major lifestyle changes may be necessary when living with this type of ileostomy, and you need to understand how these changes and complications could impact your life.
Undergoing the procedure for a traditional ileostomy carries several risks, including infection, damage to surrounding organs, internal bleeding, intestinal blockage and the development of fistulas between the intestines and your abdominal wall, reports Healthline. The position and larger size of the stoma in a traditional ileostomy also increases the risk for microbes entering the body, even though waste is dispelled through the stoma.
Those with a Brooke ileostomy may be more likely than those with an internal ileostomy reservoir, such as the Barnet Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR), to suffer from excoriation or burning where waste products come into contact with the skin near the stoma site. Unfortunately, this risk is difficult to prevent as excessive movement while sleeping, periods of high activity or a full ostomy pouch can lead to separation of the pouch from the stoma.
Depending on lifestyle, a traditional ileostomy can be burden on quality of life. It can make social situations difficult, and keeping the ileostomy drained and clean can take extra time throughout the day. Some dietary changes may be needed to prevent waste from becoming too solid to pass through the stoma. Moreover, intimacy poses a challenge as those with a traditional ileostomy explain the pouch and its purpose to unaware partners. However, a BCIR may be the solution to many of these problems of convenience. For example, there is no pouch to explain when a BCIR is the ileostomy of choice.
Undergoing the procedure to create an ileostomy is life-changing, but alternative ileostomy options are available. These options eliminate the need for an external pouch, and the smaller stoma, as seen within the Photo Gallery, may help prevent bacteria or other pathogens from entering the body. To learn more about converting your existing Brooke ileostomy to a BCIR, schedule an appointment with Dr. Don Schiller by calling 1 (323) 472-9931 now.