Post-operative Ileostomy/Colostomy Instructions
- You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment with your physician in four weeks.
- Remember to bring extra stoma supplies with you to the appointment.
- Plan to follow up with the Enterostomal Therapy (ET) nurses. Call 814-452-7214 the next business day after discharge for an appointment time with them in 3 to 4 weeks.
- Record your ileostomy output as you were taught in the hospital (date, time, amount, consistency). Ileostomy outputs should stay below 1200mL (34oz) daily; if over 1200mL consecutively for more than a day, contact our office for instructions.
- Consistency of a typical ileostomy output should be pudding like or thicker. Watery output can lead to dehydration. If you have watery output, remember to drink plenty of fluids and eat something whenever you drink the fluids. This will help slow down the output.
Signs of dehydration
- Dark urine color
- Dizziness
- Pasty mouth
- Nausea
Foods that can help thicken stools
- Starchy foods such as rice, pastas, breads
- Creamy peanut butter
- Marshmallows
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Bananas
- Cheeses
Supplies you should have in case of watery ileostomy output to prevent dehydration
- Crackers/Saltines
- Gatorade, Powerade or equivalent
- Imodium AD – contact us and we will instruct you as needed
Change the stoma pouch on a regular basis
- Leaks can irritate the skin and should be cleansed and changed immediately.
- Persistent skin irritation should be evaluated by an ET nurse.
When to call a physician
- Watery ileostomy output with volumes greater than 1200mL over a 24 hour period
- Temperatures greater than 101 degrees F
- Severe redness or drainage of pus from the incision site
- Nausea or vomiting that persists more than 12 hours
- Worsening abdominal pain
- Severe leg pain or swelling
Saint Vincent Health Center - Enterostomal Therapy Nurses can be reached at 814-452-7124.