This topic is about a situation where a person with a temporary ileostomy is experiencing effluent, or waste, emerging from a second opening on the stoma. This can be concerning, especially when it's unexpected. Here are some helpful insights and advice for dealing with this situation:

1. Temporary (loop) ileostomies often have two openings: one for waste (effluent) and another for mucus from the part of the bowel that is not currently in use. If effluent is coming from a second opening, it might just mean that the downstream opening is now active. Looking at a diagram of a loop ileostomy online can help clarify this.

2. If you're unsure whether the stoma is a loop or an end ileostomy, or if you know it is an end ileostomy, it's important to contact the surgeon or an ostomy nurse (ET/WOC nurse) for an assessment.

3. If anything seems unusual or if you're worried about any changes, it's always a good idea to see a doctor or stoma nurse as soon as possible.