What is the Difference Between Ileostomy and Colostomy?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Ileostomy and colostomy are both surgical procedures that reroute part of the intestines to an artificially created opening (stoma) in the abdomen, allowing feces to leave the body. The main difference between the two is the part of the intestine involved in the procedure:
- Ileostomy: This procedure connects the last part of the small intestine (ileum) to the abdominal wall. The stoma may be permanent, for example, in cases of bowel cancer or serious injury, or temporary, while the bowel recovers from events such as infection, inflammation, or stab wounds. The ileostomy stoma may be either loop or end ileostomy, depending on whether the ileum is brought up through the abdominal incision (loop) or through a separate incision (end).
- Colostomy: This procedure connects the colon (large intestine) to the abdominal wall. It can also be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the procedure. The location of the colostomy will affect the type and consistency of the stool.
Both ileostomy and colostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition being treated. They may be required for conditions such as bowel infections, bowel inflammation, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. The procedures share similar surgical characteristics, including preparation of the bowel, administration of general anesthesia, and opening of the abdomen. After the surgery, patients may need to make adjustments to their diet, medications, and fluid intake.
Comparative Table: Ileostomy and Colostomy
Here is a table that compares the differences between ileostomy and colostomy:
| Feature | Ileostomy | Colostomy |
|---|---|---|
| Involved Intestine | Small intestine (ileum) | Large intestine (colon) |
| Purpose | Allows for the removal of part of the small intestine | Allows for the removal of part of the large intestine |
| Stoma Location | Right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen | Varies depending on the affected part of the colon (e.g., transverse, sigmoid, ascending, descending) |
| Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances | May cause imbalances due to the removal of part of the small intestine, which absorbs nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes | May cause imbalances due to the removal of part of the large intestine, which absorbs remaining water and nutrients from food |
| Treatment | May be performed as part of a treatment for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, cancer, or injury to the bowel | May be performed as part of a treatment for colon, rectal, or anal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or birth defects of the intestines |
| Reversibility | Can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the procedure | Can be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the procedure |
Both ileostomy and colostomy surgeries are types of ostomy, which create an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to leave the body. The main differences between them are the location of the stoma and the part of the intestine involved in the procedure.
- Colitis vs Diverticulitis
- Diverticulitis vs Ulcerative Colitis
- Colonoscopy vs Sigmoidoscopy
- Colon vs Intestines
- Colitis vs Ulcerative Colitis
- Colonoscopy vs Endoscopy
- Colon vs Large Intestine
- Nephrostomy vs Urostomy
- Colitis vs Proctitis
- Small Intestine vs Large Intestine
- Rectocele vs Rectal Prolapse
- Rectocele vs Enterocele
- Anastomosis vs Fistula
- Ilium vs Ileum
- Ulcerative Colitis vs Piles
- Diverticulitis vs Crohn’s Disease
- Piles vs Fistula
- Jejunum vs Ileum
- Laparoscopy vs Laparotomy