Researchers looked at 20 studies to understand what health problems people with ileostomies might develop over time. An ileostomy is a surgical opening that allows waste to leave the body through the belly instead of the usual way. The studies found that people with ileostomies may have higher chances of developing kidney problems, weak bones, blood sugar issues, and vitamin deficiencies. However, the research quality was mixed, with some studies being very small and using different methods, making it hard to give exact numbers about how common these problems really are.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How often people with ileostomies develop long-term health problems like kidney disease, weak bones, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies
  • Who participated: Adults with ileostomies from 20 different studies, ranging from 14 to nearly 20,000 people per study
  • Key finding: People with ileostomies may face various health challenges, with kidney disease affecting up to 64% of patients and weak bones affecting up to 48%
  • What it means for you: If you have an ileostomy, regular check-ups for bone health, kidney function, and vitamin levels may be important for staying healthy

The Research Details

This was a scoping review, which means researchers searched through medical databases to find all available studies about health problems in people with ileostomies. They looked through five major medical databases from the very beginning until April 2025, focusing specifically on chronic diseases related to diet and nutrition. Two independent reviewers checked each study to make sure it met their criteria, which helps reduce bias and errors in selecting studies.

This type of research is important because it gives us the big picture of what’s been studied so far. Since there aren’t specific guidelines for managing these health problems in ileostomy patients, gathering all available evidence helps doctors and patients understand what to watch out for.

The researchers followed established guidelines for reporting their review, which is good. However, they found that many of the individual studies were small and used different methods, which makes it harder to draw firm conclusions about how common these problems really are.

What the Results Show

The review found that kidney disease was the most studied problem, appearing in 8 studies. The rates varied widely - some studies found no kidney disease at all (0%) while others found it in nearly two-thirds of patients (63.8%). Bone problems were also common, with weak bones (osteopenia) affecting 29% to 48% of patients, and more severe bone loss (osteoporosis) affecting 5% to 12%. Blood sugar and metabolism problems occurred in about 12% to 28% of patients, while anemia affected about 7% of people in one study.

Vitamin B12 deficiency was another concern, with rates ranging from no association in some studies to affecting nearly one-third of patients (31.8%) in others. The researchers found only 20 studies total that looked at these issues, which suggests this is an under-researched area that needs more attention.

This appears to be the first comprehensive review of chronic diseases in ileostomy patients, so there isn’t previous similar research to compare it to. The researchers noted that specific guidelines for managing these conditions in ileostomy patients don’t currently exist.

The biggest limitation was that the studies varied greatly in size, methods, and patient populations. Some studies had only 14 people while others had nearly 20,000. The studies also didn’t consistently account for important factors like why the ileostomy was needed, how long people had lived with it, or whether it was temporary or permanent.

The Bottom Line

If you have an ileostomy, consider discussing regular monitoring of kidney function, bone density, vitamin B12 levels, and blood sugar with your healthcare team. However, remember that the risk varies greatly between individuals, and more research is needed to give precise recommendations.

This information is most relevant for adults living with any type of ileostomy and their healthcare providers. People considering ileostomy surgery should also be aware of these potential long-term considerations.

The studies didn’t provide clear information about when these problems typically develop, which is something future research needs to address. Regular monitoring from the time of surgery onward seems prudent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track symptoms that might indicate these conditions, such as changes in energy levels, bone pain, or changes in urine output or color
  • Focus on maintaining adequate nutrition, especially foods rich in vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D, while staying well-hydrated
  • Create reminders for regular medical check-ups including blood tests for vitamin levels, kidney function tests, and periodic bone density screenings

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have an ileostomy, work with your healthcare team to develop an appropriate monitoring and management plan based on your individual circumstances.