A colostomy bag, or an ostomy bag, is a small, waterproof pouch that connects with an opening in the abdomen to collect body waste from an intestinal diversion that bypasses the diseased segment of the colon.
The surgical procedure of the creation of a colostomy involves pulling out of the end of the colon through the belly. It creates an opening known as a stoma. The diseased segment of the colon, which also includes rectum and anus, is either removed or put to rest, meaning that the patient now has to manage stool evacuating from the newly created stoma. The only way of this stool management is to use a colostomy bag, which fits over the peristomal skin in such a way that the stoma opens into the pouch.
A colostomy can be permanent or temporary. Whichever kind it is, the most crucial thing to know is that you are going to have to use a colostomy bag to collect the stool.
There can be one of several reasons you may need a colostomy. Those reasons include:
Uncreative colitis
Crohn’s disease
Diverticulitis
Colorectal cancer
The necessity for a colostomy bag can arise at any age. More typically, this need arises when there is a problem with the colon, such as Crohn’s disease, or when anal sphincters stop functioning. A colostomy diverts the passage of fecal material from its natural pathway to an artificially created one that opens on the abdominal wall.
This diversion may be a crucial treatment of one of the several health conditions that inhibit the function of colon or rectum. These conditions mainly include the following.
Cancer in the abdominal or pelvic region, such as colorectal or anal cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis
Bowel obstructions
Hirschsprung’s disease
Injury to the colon
After colostomy surgery, the ostomy care nurse will guide you through the process of application of a colostomy bag. You will also get first-hand information regarding how to manage your colostomy. Some lifestyle changes will be crucial after surgery. You have to make sure that you adapt to those requirements to accelerate the recovery process. You will want to get back to a healthy and active life, and ensuring the best colostomy care will be a ticket to that destination.
A significant part of colostomy care is the use of the right colostomy bag. First, you will need to acquire knowledge of the components of a colostomy bag. Then you will have to have the right information about the type of bag that’s appropriate in your case. You can talk about it with your doctor.