Etymed
ileostomy
Definition
A surgical procedure creating an opening in the ileum (small intestine) for waste elimination
Clinical context
A 45-year-old patient with severe ulcerative colitis requires surgical intervention. The surgeon performs a temporary ileostomy to allow the inflamed colon to heal. The patient's stool will now exit through a stoma in the ileum, resulting in liquid waste output that requires a collection bag. This procedure is typically done when the colon cannot be immediately reconnected due to severe inflammation.
Mnemonic
Ileostomy = Ileum opening for waste elimination - remember 'I' for ileum and 'o' for opening