Selecting appropriate appliances and accessories for ileostomates

Abstract

This article will look at the appliances and accessories available for patients who have an ileostomy, whether temporary or permanent. Predisposing factors for the formation of an ileostomy include inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which is compromised of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and rectal cancer. With advances in bowel surgery for rectal cancer and the ability to perform procedures lower in the colon with an anastomosis, often a temporary ileostomy is needed while the patient undergoes adjuvant therapy. There are approximately 20 000 people in the UK and Ireland who have had their colon removed (Ileostomy Association, 2015). Problems can occur at any time following the formation of an ileostomy, either with the appliance or peristomal skin problems or other issues related to the ileostomy.