Why is hydration particularly important for patients with an ileostomy?

Hydration is particularly important for patients with an ileostomy primarily because they are at a higher risk for dehydration due to increased fluid output from their stoma. An ileostomy typically involves the surgical removal of the colon, resulting in a small intestine being brought to the abdominal surface, which causes the output from the stoma to be more liquid compared to that of a colostomy.

As a result, patients may lose significant amounts of both water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration if fluid intake is not adequately increased. Ensuring that these patients maintain proper hydration helps to replace lost fluids and prevents the complications associated with dehydration, such as electrolyte imbalances, which can have serious health implications. This focus on hydration directly addresses the unique physiological changes that occur after an ileostomy and reinforces the need for patients to monitor their fluid intake closely.