A colostomy is a surgical procedure that provides an individualized solution for people with bowel disease. The procedure creates an opening in the abdomen that allows stool to be collected in a pouch. Whether temporary or permanent, a colostomy promotes a better quality of life and allows a quick return to daily activities.
- A person suffering from a disease that affects the functioning of the colon, making the natural evacuation of stool difficult or impossible.
- Pain.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Blood clots.
- Hernia near the stoma.
- Stoma that falls into the abdomen.
- 97%
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Everything you need to know about a colostomy
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening in the abdomen to divert the passage of stool when the colon (large intestine) is damaged or diseased. This opening, called a stoma, allows stool to pass outside the body into a specially designed pouch.
The stool collected in the pouch can vary in consistency from liquid to solid, and may be accompanied by gas. The location of the colostomy on the abdomen depends on the part of the colon affected and the medical reasons specific to each patient.
There are different types of colostomy, which can be temporary (to allow part of the bowel to heal) or permanent. The choice of colostomy is determined by the surgeon on a case-by-case basis.
What is an ostomy pouch?
An ostomy pouch is a medical device designed to collect fecal or urinary waste from a stoma, a surgical opening created on the surface of the abdomen. The appliance fits snugly against the skin around the stoma, ensuring safe, discreet collection of effluent.
Why is an ostomy pouch necessary?
Since the stoma has no sphincter to control evacuation, it requires the use of a collection pouch. This enables us to:
- Ensure optimal hygiene by containing effluent.
- Preserve quality of life through maximum discretion.
- Protect the skin around the stoma from irritation.
Different types of pouch
There are two main types of ostomy pouch:
- One-piece pouches: the pouch and adhesive plate are joined together.
- Two-piece pouches: the pouch attaches to a separate adhesive plate, making it easy to replace.
Whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, the ostomy pouch gives you greater freedom and quality of life. Your stomatotherapist will help you choose the most suitable device and give you all the advice you need to use it with complete peace of mind.
Indications for a colostomy
A colostomy is generally performed for the following conditions:
- Colorectal cancer: Cancer of the colon, rectum, or anus often requires a colostomy, either temporary or permanent, to allow for better treatment.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause complications that require a colostomy to relieve symptoms.
- Bowel obstructions: Bowel obstruction, whether due to a tumor, adhesions, or other causes, may require a colostomy to allow the colon to rest and the bowel to heal.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): This genetic disease, characterized by the formation of numerous polyps in the colon, may progress to cancer and require a colostomy.
- Intestinal injuries: Injuries or lesions of the bowel, whether traumatic or due to disease, may require a colostomy.
- Diverticulitis: This inflammation of small pouches in the colon wall can sometimes require a colostomy if complications arise.
- Congenital malformations: Certain intestinal malformations present at birth may be treated with a colostomy.
Different types of colostomy
There are three types of colostomy:
Types of colostomy | Characteristics |
| Ascending loop colostomy | A colostomy is performed on the ascending colon: The stool is fluid to semi-fluid and contains digestive enzymes that can irritate the epidermis around the stoma. You may need to empty the pouch four to six times a day. |
| Transverse loop colostomy | A colostomy is performed on the transverse colon: stool is usually fluid to semi-fluid because the colon absorbs some of the stool water as it passes through the ascending colon. You will probably need to empty the pouch four to six times a day. |
Sigmoid loop colostomy | This is a colostomy of the sigmoid colon. The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is usually nearly formed because almost all the water in the stool is absorbed as the stool passes through the ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. You will probably need to empty your bowel once or twice a day or every other day. |
Postoperative phase: the first steps
After a colostomy, there is a period of adjustment. Here's what to expect:
Hospital stay and first aid
A new phase begins after a colostomy. The first few days in the hospital are crucial to your recovery. Medication will help with pain and a gradual diet, starting with liquids, will be introduced to help your body recover.
The stoma is normal if it is pink, moist, and bleeds slightly when rubbed. It should not be painful to touch.
Daily care
A special bag will be placed over the stoma to collect stool. A specialist nurse will teach you the simple but essential gestures for changing this bag and caring for your skin.
You'll also learn how to adapt your hygiene, diet, and physical activity to your new situation.
Personalized care in Turkey
Living with a colostomy takes some learning and adjustment, but with the support of your care team, you'll soon regain a good quality of life.
Before you go home, you'll be given all the information you need to manage your colostomy on a daily basis:
- Care: How to change the dressing, take a shower, deal with leaks.
- Nutrition: what foods to eat, what to avoid, how to deal with gas and odors.
- Physical activity: what activities are possible, how to gradually return to physical activity.
- Medications: how to take them, what side effects to watch out for.
- Follow-up appointments: How often you should see your surgeon.
If your colostomy is temporary, a second operation (anastomosis) will be performed to restore natural bowel transit. The duration of a temporary colostomy varies, but is usually a few months.
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