DefinitionAn ileostomy is an opening in your belly wall that is made during surgery. The word "ileostomy" comes from the words "ileum" and "stoma." Your ileum is the lowest part of your small intestine. "Stoma" means "opening." Your ileum will pass through a stoma after your surgery.Alternative NamesEnterostomyDescriptionIleostomies are used to deliver waste out of the body when the colon or rectum are not working properly.Before you have surgery to create an ileostomy, you may have surgery to remove all of your colon and rectum, or just part of your small intestine.See also:Total proctolectomy with ileostomyTotal abdominal colectomySmall bowel resectionYou may use your ileostomy for only a short time, or it may be created for long-term use. When it is long-term, it is usually because all