The pouch will have a skin barrier which protects your skin. The opening in the pouch should fit closely around the edge of your stoma, so stool will not come in contact with your skin. Stool in contact with the skin over a period of time will cause breakdown of healthy skin. You will be taught to empty your pouch from the bottom while sitting on the toilet. The pouch can be emptied as often as necessary and rinsed with water as needed.
Most people find it best to empty the pouch when it is about one-third full.
This keeps the pouch from showing under your clothing. It also avoids excess weight in the pouch which may loosen the seal. You may find that most of your output will occur one to two hours after eating a meal. Gas When bowel function returns, gas and stool will be expelled from the ileostomy. Because of the bowel prep, surgery, and anesthesia, you will experience more gas following surgery.