Z43.2: Attention to ileostomy

The small intestine is the longest part of the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine consists of 3 sections. The 1st section begins immediately after the stomach and is called the duodenum. The gallbladder and the pancreas secrete the digestive juices in this section. The jejunum and ileum sections come next. The nutrients are absorbed into the blood from the food in the small intestine. The small intestine is followed by the large intestine.

An artificial stoma is an additional opening from a hollow organ, in this case from the intestines. The stoma provides the intestines with a connection to the outside through the skin of the abdomen. Stool can be excreted via the stoma. For example, a plastic bag can be fixed in place over the stoma, which you have to change regularly. A stoma is attached through surgery. A stoma can be attached if a part of the intestines or anus had to be removed because of disease or injury. In that case, the stoma can be permanent. The stoma may also be just temporary. Its purpose may be to protect the other parts of the intestine, or allow them to heal. The stoma can then be removed after a while.

An artificial exit from the small intestine requires special care. You have had a stoma from your small intestine tended to. Plastic components may have been replaced or a dressing changed. The skin around the stoma may also have been cleaned and cared for. The stoma may have been checked or widened.