An ileostomy is where the small bowel is diverted to the abdominal surface resulting in a formation of a stoma. A high-output ileostomy is generally regarded as one that passes more than 1L of faeces in 24 hours. When this occurs, the small bowel may be unable to absorb sufficient electrolytes, fluid and nutrition. This could result in electrolyte disturbance, dehydration, malnutrition and renal impairment or acute kidney injury (AKI).

Hydration requirements can be more complex for patients with an ileostomy because fluid is not reabsorbed into the body through the large bowel. This module discusses the problems, complications and effective management of high-output ileostomy.

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