ileostomy

American  

[il-ee-os-tuh-mee] / ˌɪl iˈɒs tə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

ileostomies

1. the construction of an artificial opening from the ileum through the abdominal wall, permitting drainage of the contents of the small intestine.

2. the opening so constructed.

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ileostomy British  

/ ˌɪlɪˈɒstəmɪ /

noun

1. the surgical formation of a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the ileum

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Etymology

Origin of ileostomy

First recorded in 1885–90; ileo- + -stomy

Example Sentences

“After the show, I had a fan approach me and say, ‘I have an ileostomy too.’

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2025

Several weeks later they would need an ileostomy closure, which is surgery to reverse a stoma bag and restore the normal passage of stool from the small bowel to the rectum.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2023

Chris’s insides had been gracefully diverted by an ileostomy.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

Now, following my ileostomy reversal, I am allowed to eat whatever I want.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2023

Four months later, doctors reversed the ileostomy, reconnecting all of her “plumbing.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 30, 2018