Colostomy: What Is It And How Is It Performed?

A colostomy is a medical procedure that patients sometimes have to undergo. In some cases, this is the only way to continue life. By reading the article below, you will learn more about this surgical intervention.

A colostomy is one of the techniques for making a stoma. In medical terminology, “stoma” refers to the lumen of an internal organ joining the skin. Stomas can be performed in the digestive or urinary tract.

In the case of a colostomy, we are talking about opening the abdominal cavity so that the large intestine is in contact with the skin. We call this point of contact a “stoma”.

The colostomy artificially divides the intestines into two parts. The area in front of the stoma works and performs its functions as normal. The rest of the intestine that is behind the stoma is not working because the feces are removed from the body through an artificially created opening.

It also means that apart from the last part of the large intestine, the anus and the anus are also not working. However, there may be times when the lining of the intestine continues to produce fluid that will be excreted out.

When a doctor performs a colostomy of the colon, it does not interfere with nutrient absorption. Remember that this process takes place in the small intestine, which is above the large intestine and is not affected by this procedure. The colosomy only affects the production of fecal matter and its removal.

Colostomy and its types

There are the following types of colostomy:

1. Temporal

Temporary colostomy, as the name suggests, is used for pathologies or interventions that go better when part of the colon has a chance to rest.

For example, it is done in patients who have had bowel surgery to give the organ time to recover. In this case, the doctor performs a temporary stoma to prevent stools from passing through the intestine. After a while, it will close and the digestive system will start to function normally again.

2. Constant

In this case, the doctor performs the stoma on a permanent basis. It can be done, for example, for bowel cancer, which was diagnosed when it was already at such an advanced stage of development that it was only possible to remove a large part of the colon. When the doctor determines that in your case it will not be possible to restore the normal passage of the intestinal contents, he will perform a stoma.

3. Transverse

These colostomies are named after their location. The large intestine is divided into three parts, one of which is the transverse colon, located at the top of the abdomen.

This colostomy is rarely performed, but may be necessary for some medical conditions. Despite its unusual location, it can be both temporary and permanent.

Colostomy bags

When a patient has a colostomy, the stools are led out through the stoma. They no longer pass through the anus and anus.

The faeces removed from the body are collected in the colostomy bags. These are attached to the stoma, which collects content that is regularly removed from the large intestine.

While there are different bag models, they all consist of two parts: the system that attaches the device to the skin and stoma, and the collecting system, which can be a regular bag or a drainage mechanism.

The bags are created by many producers, thanks to which they are available in a wide price range. You can find cheap and expensive models, made of materials of different strength, small, medium or large, transparent or colored, and with or without a cap.

Another element that makes the bags different is the emptying system. The choice depends on the patient’s comfort, availability of models and the wealth of the person who buys them. Due to the emptying system, the bags are divided into:

• Convertible. The bag is only used once. When it is full, the patient removes it and attaches another.
• Drained. The bag has an opening that allows the contents to be removed and used again.
• For washing. Some bags have an attachment system that allows them to be disconnected. They are made of washable material and can be reattached when clean.

Possible complications

It is obvious that disruption of the normal functioning of the intestine and the insertion of a colostomy bag cause various complications. Some of them are harder to deal with than others. The most common complications include:

• Skin infection. The skin around the stoma may be red due to the colostomy and passing fecal masses. Fortunately, proper hygiene and the use of proper ointments created for this purpose will help to remedy this.
• Stoma reduction. After surgery, the diameter of the stoma may decrease. Although it’s perfectly normal, if it is reduced too much, your doctor may decide to have it restored during a new operation to avoid blocking the removal of intestinal contents.
• Displacement of the stoma. The intestine in the area of ​​the colostomy changes its position. Thus, it can exert more pressure and cause a hernia to appear in the stoma. The opposite can also happen when your stoma collapses inward. In either case, you should see your doctor who will decide what needs to be done to make the colostomy work.