The topic is about the location of an ileostomy, which is a type of stoma, and whether it is typically placed on the right or left side of the abdomen. The person asking the question has their ileostomy on the right side and is curious if others have theirs on the left.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. General rule of thumb:
- Ileostomies are usually placed in the right-lower quadrant of the abdomen because the terminal ileum, the last part of the small intestine, is naturally located there. This placement helps keep the bowel path short and less disturbed.
- Colostomies, on the other hand, are often placed in the left-lower quadrant because the distal colon is on that side.
- Loop colostomies might be located in the upper abdomen on either side.

2. Reasons an ileostomy might be on the left or elsewhere:
- Previous surgeries, resections, hernias, adhesions, or lack of viable tissue at the usual site can influence placement.
- Factors specific to the patient, such as body shape, scars, or personal preferences (like sleeping on a particular side), can also play a role.
- In emergency surgeries, the ideal placement might not be possible.
- Some people have had their ileostomy moved from one side to the other over time.

3. Surgical and siting considerations:
- A surgeon or a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse should mark the flattest spot on the abdomen while the patient is in various positions like sitting, standing, or bending.
- It's important to avoid skin creases, fat mounds, uneven surfaces, and areas below the belt or hip line to reduce the risk of leakage or retraction.
- The stoma is generally placed through the rectus abdominis muscle, at least three finger-widths from the belly button, and not higher than the upper third of the abdomen to avoid the rib cage.
- Adequate bowel length is necessary; too much tension on the intestine can lead to retraction or lack of blood flow.
- Moving the bowel far from its natural position can cause adhesions, so surgeons sometimes wrap the relocated bowel with visceral fat to minimize this.

4. Variations and anecdotes:
- Some people have experienced both right- and left-sided ileostomies at different times. One person has had a stoma for 59 years, with 47 years on the right and 12 on the left.
- A few colostomy patients confirmed their stomas were on the left.
- One person mentioned a surgeon offering to place a stoma in the midline, which they called the "no navel" option.
- Those with left-sided ileostomies humorously referred to themselves as "southpaws" or part of an "elite leftie ileo" club.

5. Educational resource:
- A diagram of standard stoma locations can be found in the WTCS Nursing Skills, Fig. 21.15, available online.