This topic is about a caregiver's concern regarding a 90-year-old woman who has had an ileostomy for three years and is experiencing stool passing through the rectum. The caregiver is puzzled because the bowel is supposed to be diverted, and this is the first time it has happened, continuing for three days. Although the emergency room staff said it was normal, the caregiver is still unsure.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. It is common to have occasional rectal discharge when the rectal stump and colon are still intact. This discharge is usually clear to yellow or tan mucus rather than formed stool.

2. In rare cases, actual stool can pass through the rectum even with a loop or end ileostomy if the colon and rectum are still present. Some people have experienced this once or twice without further issues.

3. If the discharge becomes frequent, copious, bloody, diarrheal, or painful, it is important for the patient to be evaluated by a colorectal surgeon or stoma specialist.

4. If the concern persists after three days, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional despite the reassurance from the emergency room.

5. The colon continuously produces mucus, which can exit via the rectum. This explains most rectal output after an ileostomy.