Colostomy

What are colostomy procedures?

A colostomy procedure is one where the surgeon will go in and get an end of the large intestine and moves it so that it is out of the abdominal wall. While they are doing this procedure, one part of the colon will be put through a small incision that goes through the same wall to create what is known as a stoma. These stomas are small openings in the skin and it creates a pouch that will collect feces from here on out. People will either get temporary or permanent colostomies and have a pouch that is attached to their side. Once the pouch is full of feces it can easily be taken off and disposed of with a fresh pouch attached again.

Why do people need a colostomy procedure done

People can need colostomies for several reasons. One reason a person could need a colostomy is because they have issues with the lower digestive tract. They can easily be reversed for people who no longer need the pouch such as for children born with birth defects that then get corrected. When a temporary colostomy is performed, it is used to temporarily keep feces away from the bowel while the colon or intestines are repaired. If the entire colon died or is diseased like people with colon cancer, then the patient will have the entire colon removed for a permanent colostomy.


Other reasons why a patient may need a permanent colostomy done:

  • They have a total blockage

  • They sustain an irreparable injury

  • suffer from Crohn's disease

  • Colon canver

  • Colonic polyps

  • diverticulitis

  • birth defects

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • ulcerative colitis

Are there risks with getting a colonoscopy done

As with any major procedure or surgery, there are going to be risks and issues that could occur after surgery that will need to be taken into consideration. Below are the list of risks that could occur after you undergo this type of major procedure:

  • Total or partial colostomy blockage

  • Organ damage to other surrounding organs

  • Hernias

  • Infection at or around the surgery sight

  • internal bleeding

  • Scar tissue build-up

  • prolapsed colostomy

  • having the surgery site or open wound opening up


What should you do to mentally and physically prepare for a colostomy

Before your surgery, your doctor will gather blood samples from you and do a total physical for you so that he/she has all of you medical history on hand. You will tell your doctor about any other surgeries you had and medications you are on. You will need to go without eating for 12 hours or more before surgery and will more than likely need to take a laxative to make sure that your bowels are totally cleaned out before surgery. You will more than likely stay in the hospital for anywhere between 3 days and a week, and will need help at home once you are released.

After your procedure, you will slowly be allowed to have liquids again and then foods to make sure that you do not have any digestive issues going on. The doctors and nurses will teach you how to properly attach, dispose, and replace your colostomy bags, and will inform you of your new diet, how strenuous of exercise you can do, and more. It is vital that you follow all of these instructions so that you heal properly and get back to living as normal of a life as possible as soon as you can.