ABSTRACT
The patient is fed upon resumption of bowel activity. When the ileostomy begins
to pass stool and flatus, the enterostomal therapist begins instruction in the care of the stoma. The peristomal skin is monitored for signs of irritation, which can be due to a poorly fitting stomal appliance. The skin margin adjacent to the distal limb opening is particularly prone to irritation with a loop ileostomy. The plastic rod supporting the loop ileostomy is typically removed prior to discharge from the hospital.
