Final answer:
The difference between a colostomy and ileostomy is that a colostomy involves the large intestine and produces a more formed stool, while an ileostomy involves the small intestine and produces a watery output.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Colostomy and Ileostomy:
The primary difference between a colostomy and an ileostomy lies in the part of the digestive tract they involve and the consistency of the output collected. A colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings a part of the large intestine or colon through an opening in the abdominal wall to create a stoma. This is often conducted when a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed, often due to diseases such as colon cancer or severe inflammatory bowel disease. The output from a colostomy is more formed since it is closer to the end of the digestive process, where the chyme has become thicker due to water reabsorption.
An ileostomy, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure where the distal part of the small intestine (the ileum) is brought through the abdominal wall to create a stoma. This is typically required when the entire colon has to be bypassed or removed. The output from an ileostomy is usually more watery due to its location in the digestive tract, where chyme is less processed and water is not fully reabsorbed. In particular, the contents evacuated through an ileostomy are the watery chyme that is typically collected in a bag-like adhesive appliance attached to the patient's body.