What is Ostomy?

An ostomy is an artificial tract created by surgery which alters the natural path for waste elimination. An opening is made in the abdominal wall, and waste is allowed to flow through it. This opening is called a stoma. The patient must collect the eliminations into a plastic bag or any other appliance. Usually patients wear an ostomy pouch for this purpose. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent.

Types of Ostomy

Colostomy

In this type, the stoma is made in the large intestine. This is done when the colon is affected, and it has either been removed or must be avoided. In sigmoid colostomy, stoma is situated at the lower left side of the abdomen, and the rectum must be bypassed. The waste products are pretty much similar to the natural form. Sigmoid colostomy is usually managed with irrigation.

Ileostomy

When the abdominal opening is situated in the small intestine, it is referred to as Ileostomy. Ileostomy is carried out when the entire colon has to be removed or bypassed. The opening is made on the lower right of the abdomen. The waste products are in a liquid or semi solid phase because they do not pass through the large intestine.

Urostomy

Urostomy is a type of ostomy, the opening is made in the urinary tract from a short length of ileum. The stoma is similar to the one in ileostomy, but the output product of the two differs in phase. Only urine flows from the stoma in this case.

Stoma Care

Stoma care is really important so that the ostomy does not suffer. You must empty and change your pouch carefully so that your skin does not develop irritation.  Pouches can be drained or closed. The former is re-usable but the latter has to be disposed off. In any case, the pouch must be changed. The frequency depends on your stoma type.

Colostomy Care

A colostomy is carried out when the column, rectum or anus become incapable of performing their functions. This can happen in a disease or an injury. The body still has to eject waste matter so an opening, called stomata, is made in the lower abdomen. This serves as the new path. The eliminations are collected through special colostomy accessories.  A colostomy can be temporary or permanent.

If you have gone through a colostomy procedure, you will have to slightly modify your lifestyle. This is especially true if your colostomy is permanent. If you follow the tips below, you can easily adjust to it.

Colostomy care covers quite a few aspects. Eat a well balanced diet, and avoid foods such as eggs, fish, beans and nuts. You must also avoid medicines that cause diarrhea or constipation. Moreover, you must employ proper procedures for using colostomy accessories so that your skin does not develop irritation.

Eliminations are usually collected in pouches which can be drained or closed. The former can be emptied and the latter has to be replaced with a new one. You must empty and change your pouch carefully so that your skin does not develop irritation.  It is advisable to empty or replace your pouch when it is half full. The stoma is usually a shade of pink or red. If it turns pale, starts swelling or bleeds, then you will have to treat it carefully. Remove your pouch and use protective powder on your skin.

You can also opt for colostomy irrigation. This gives you more control because the intestine is made to function regularly once a day or once in two days. In this case, you will not have to wear a pouch but will only need a cover for your stomata. However, irrigation can be done in specific cases only so consult your doctor first.