What type of output can be expected from a mature ileostomy?

A mature ileostomy typically results in output that is liquid with little odor. This is because the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine, is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and the majority of fluids, but it does not absorb all the fluid. Therefore, the stool from an ileostomy tends to be more liquid than formed.

Additionally, the odor from an ileostomy output is often mild compared to colostomy output. This can be attributed to the nature of the intestinal contents that are expelled; the higher concentration of digestive enzymes and less fermentation occurs in the small intestine versus the colon. This results in less gas production and subsequently less odor.

In contrast, other types of outputs such as thick and solid or chunky and foul-smelling are more representative of waste eliminated from the colon, where there is more water absorption and fermentation occurring. The presence of a strong odor is typically more associated with colostomies, where bacteria have more time to interact with the waste, producing various gases and stronger odors.