Ostomy Procedure

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to divert the flow of waste or urine from the body.

Types of Ostomies

• Colostomy: A colostomy is a type of ostomy that involves diverting the large intestine (colon) to an opening in the abdomen, allowing stool to pass out of the body.
• Ileostomy: An ileostomy is a type of ostomy that involves diverting the small intestine (ileum) to an opening in the abdomen, allowing stool to pass out of the body.
• Urostomy: A urostomy is a type of ostomy that involves diverting the flow of urine from the kidneys to an opening in the abdomen, allowing urine to pass out of the body.

Purpose of Ostomy

The purpose of an ostomy can vary depending on the individual's medical condition. Some common reasons for an ostomy include:

• Treatment of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal cancers
• Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Treatment of diverticulitis or other conditions that affect the digestive tract
• Management of spinal cord injuries or other neurological disorders that affect bladder or bowel function

Ostomy Surgery

Ostomy surgery typically involves several steps:

• Preparation: The patient is prepared for surgery by undergoing a series of tests and evaluations to determine the best course of treatment.
• Surgery: The surgeon creates an opening in the abdomen and brings the intestine or ureter to the surface, where it is attached to a stoma (the opening).
• Stoma creation: The stoma is created by bringing the intestine or ureter to the surface of the skin and attaching it to a bag or pouch.

Ostomy Care and Management

After an ostomy, patients require ongoing care and management to maintain the health and function of the stoma. This includes:

• Stoma care: The patient must clean and care for the stoma regularly to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Ostomy bag or pouch management: The patient must empty and change the ostomy bag or pouch regularly to manage waste and prevent skin irritation.
• Dietary management: Patients with an ostomy may need to follow a special diet to manage their condition and prevent complications.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with an ostomy. These can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Adhesions or bowel obstruction
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Skin irritation or breakdown

Reversal of Ostomy

In some cases, an ostomy may be reversed if the underlying medical condition is resolved. This typically involves a second surgery to reconnect the intestine or ureter and close the stoma.