Colostomy

What’s a colostomy?

A colostomy is surgical procedure to create a gap for the colon (giant gut) by means of the stomach (stomach). A colostomy could also be short-term (non permanent) or long-term (everlasting). It is typically achieved after bowel surgical procedure or harm. Most everlasting colostomies are finish colostomies. Many non permanent colostomies convey the aspect of the colon as much as a gap within the stomach.

Throughout an finish colostomy, the top of the colon is introduced by means of the belly wall. Then it could be turned beneath, like a cuff. The perimeters of the colon are then stitched to the pores and skin of the belly wall to kind a gap referred to as a stoma. Poop (stool) drains from the stoma right into a bag or pouch hooked up to the stomach. In a short lived loop colostomy, a gap is reduce within the aspect of the colon and stitched to an identical gap within the belly wall. This may be extra simply reversed later. That is achieved by eradicating the colon from the belly wall. Then the holes are closed in order that poop flows by means of the colon once more.

Why may I want a colostomy?

Colostomy surgical procedure could also be wanted to deal with a number of totally different ailments and circumstances. These embody:

• Delivery defect, corresponding to a blocked or lacking anal opening, referred to as an imperforate anus

• Problems from diverticula. These are small, bulging pouches of the colon. They’re frequent in folks older than age 60. They’ll turn into contaminated (diverticulitis). Or they will trigger extreme bleeding and wish bowel surgical procedure.

• Inflammatory bowel illness

• Harm to the colon or rectum

• Partial or full intestinal or bowel blockage

• Rectal or colon most cancers

• Wounds or fistulas within the perineum. A fistula is an irregular connection between inside components of the physique. Or between an inside organ and the pores and skin. A lady’s perineum is the realm between the anus and vulva. In males it’s between the anus and scrotum.

If surgeons have the selection to create a short lived colostomy, they typically will. Discuss along with your healthcare supplier earlier than surgical procedure to see in case your colostomy might be everlasting or non permanent. Some infections or accidents require giving the downstream bowel a relaxation with a colostomy in order that it might probably heal. Then it’s reattached later.

In some circumstances, a surgeon could must make a everlasting colostomy. For example, this can be suggested if most cancers is the trigger and the rectum have to be eliminated. Or if there’s a failure of the rectal muscle groups that management pooping.

What are the dangers of the process?

Getting a colostomy marks a giant change in your life, however the surgical procedure itself isn’t advanced. Will probably be achieved beneath basic anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep and really feel no ache. A colostomy could also be achieved as open surgical procedure, with one important reduce. Or it could be achieved laparoscopically, with a number of tiny cuts.

As with every surgical procedure, the principle dangers for anesthesia are respiratory issues and poor reactions to medicines. A colostomy carries different surgical dangers:

• Bleeding

• Harm to close by organs

• An infection

After surgical procedure, dangers embody:

• Narrowing of the colostomy opening

• Scar tissue that causes intestinal blockage

• Pores and skin irritation

• Wound opening

• Getting a hernia on the incision

How do I prepare for a colostomy?

Earlier than surgical procedure, talk about your surgical and postsurgical selections with a healthcare supplier and an ostomy nurse. It is a nurse who’s specifically skilled to assist colostomy sufferers. It might additionally assist to fulfill with an ostomy customer. It is a volunteer who has had a colostomy and might help you perceive easy methods to stay with one. And, earlier than or after your surgical procedure, chances are you’ll wish to be a part of an ostomy assist group. You’ll find out extra about such teams from the United Ostomy Associations of America or the American Most cancers Society.

If the colostomy surgical procedure isn’t achieved as an emergency process, your healthcare staff gives you particular presurgery directions about eating regimen and medicines. Observe all presurgery instructions and speak to your healthcare supplier when you’ve got questions.

What occurs throughout the colostomy?

Relying on why you want a colostomy, will probably be made in one among 4 components of the colon: ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid.

• Transverse colostomy. That is achieved on the center part of the colon. The stoma might be someplace throughout the higher stomach. Such a surgical procedure is usually non permanent. It is usually achieved for diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel illness, most cancers, blockage, harm, or a beginning defect. In a transverse colostomy, the poop leaves the colon by means of the stoma earlier than reaching the descending colon. Your stoma could have one or two openings. One opening is for poop. The second potential stoma is for the mucus that the resting a part of your colon usually retains producing. This mucus will move by means of your rectum and anus when you’ve got just one stoma.

• Ascending colostomy. This goes on the best aspect of your stomach. It leaves solely a brief a part of the colon lively. It is usually achieved solely when blockage or extreme illness prevents a colostomy additional alongside the colon.

• Descending colostomy. This goes on the decrease left aspect of the stomach.

• Sigmoid colostomy. That is the commonest kind. It is positioned a number of inches decrease than a descending colostomy.

What occurs after the colostomy?

You might be able to suck on ice chips on the identical day as your surgical procedure. You will possible be given clear fluids the subsequent day. Some folks eat usually inside 2 days after a colostomy.

A standard stoma is moist and pink or crimson coloured. Whenever you first see your colostomy, it could look darkish crimson and swollen, with bruises. Don’t fret. In a number of weeks, the colour will lighten and bruises ought to disappear.

The bandage or clear pouch masking your colostomy proper after surgical procedure possible will not be the identical kind that you’re going to use at dwelling. Your colostomy will drain poop out of your colon into this colostomy pouch or bag. Your poop will most likely be extra liquid than earlier than surgical procedure. Your poop consistency can even depend upon what kind of colostomy you’ve gotten and the way a lot of your colon continues to be lively.