When an ileostomy goes wrong
A surgical case highlights that recovery is about much more than just managing the operative site
Angela, a 79-year-old part-time administrative assistant, recently underwent an emergency laparotomy for a strangulated femoral hernia with associated ischaemic bowel, which required the formation of a double-barrel ileostomy.
Approximately three weeks post-discharge, Angela presents with difficulty managing her stoma.
She reports the output is liquid, and she needs to empty her stoma bag at least five times a day.
She estimates daily stoma output is more than 2L. She also reports