A stoma is a surgically-created opening in the body that allows waste products to exit the body. It is typically created when a portion of the digestive or urinary tract is removed or bypassed. Stoma surgery is often performed to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or birth defects.
There are two main types of stomas: colostomies and ileostomies. A colostomy is created in the colon, while an ileostomy is created in the ileum. The type of stoma that is created depends on the specific medical condition being treated.
Once a stoma has been created, it will need to be cared for on a regular basis. This includes cleaning the stoma site, emptying the stoma bag, and changing the stoma appliance.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of stomas, the reasons why they are created, and the care that is needed to maintain a stoma.
what is a stoma
A stoma is a surgically-created opening in the body for waste elimination.
- Abnormal body opening
- Created during surgery
- Allows waste to leave body
- Two main types: colostomy, ileostomy
- Requires regular care
- Cleaning, emptying, changing
- Manageable with support
- Enhances quality of life
- Improves overall health
People with stomas can live full and active lives. With proper care and support, a stoma can help to improve a person's quality of life and overall health.
Abnormal body opening
A stoma is an abnormal opening in the body that is created surgically. It is typically created in the abdomen, but it can also be created in the neck or chest. The purpose of a stoma is to allow waste products to exit the body.
There are two main types of stomas: colostomies and ileostomies. A colostomy is created in the colon, while an ileostomy is created in the ileum. The type of stoma that is created depends on the specific medical condition being treated.
Colostomies are typically created to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Ileostomies are typically created to treat conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
A stoma can be temporary or permanent. A temporary stoma is created to allow the digestive system to rest and heal after surgery. A permanent stoma is created when a portion of the digestive tract has been removed.
Having a stoma can be a life-changing experience. It can take some time to adjust to having a stoma, but with the proper care and support, people with stomas can live full and active lives.
Created during surgery
A stoma is created during surgery by a surgeon. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and bring a loop of the intestine or colon to the surface of the skin. The end of the intestine or colon is then sewn to the skin, creating a stoma.
The surgery to create a stoma is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that the patient will be asleep during the surgery and will not feel any pain.
There are two main types of stoma surgeries: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is the traditional method of creating a stoma. During open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery is a newer, less invasive method of creating a stoma. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and surgical instruments. The surgeon then uses the camera to guide the instruments and create the stoma.
After surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, the patient will be taught how to care for their stoma.
Stoma surgery is a major surgery, but it is often necessary to improve the patient's quality of life. With proper care and support, people with stomas can live full and active lives.
Allows waste to leave body
One of the main purposes of a stoma is to allow waste products to leave the body. This can include stool, urine, or bile.
- Solid waste:
If the stoma is created in the colon, it will allow solid waste (stool) to leave the body. The stool will collect in a stoma bag, which is attached to the skin around the stoma.
- Liquid waste:
If the stoma is created in the ileum, it will allow liquid waste (urine and bile) to leave the body. The liquid waste will collect in a stoma bag, which is attached to the skin around the stoma.
- Gas:
A stoma will also allow gas to leave the body. This can help to prevent bloating and discomfort.
- Other waste products:
In some cases, a stoma may also be used to drain other waste products from the body, such as pus or blood.
Having a stoma can be a life-changing experience, but it is important to remember that a stoma is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is simply a way to allow waste products to leave the body.
Two main types: colostomy, ileostomy
There are two main types of stomas: colostomies and ileostomies. The type of stoma that is created depends on the specific medical condition being treated.
- Colostomy:
A colostomy is created in the colon. This type of stoma is typically used to treat conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Ileostomy:
An ileostomy is created in the ileum. This type of stoma is typically used to treat conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Both colostomies and ileostomies can be either temporary or permanent. A temporary stoma is created to allow the digestive system to rest and heal after surgery. A permanent stoma is created when a portion of the digestive tract has been removed.
Requires regular care
A stoma requires regular care in order to prevent infection and other complications. This care includes:
- Cleaning the stoma: The stoma should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap at least once a day. It is important to be gentle when cleaning the stoma, as it is very delicate.
- Emptying the stoma bag: The stoma bag should be emptied when it is about one-third full. This can be done by opening the bottom of the bag and allowing the waste to drain into a toilet or sink. The bag should then be rinsed with warm water and mild soap and reattached to the skin around the stoma.
- Changing the stoma appliance: The stoma appliance (bag and skin barrier) should be changed every 3 to 7 days. This helps to prevent leaks and skin irritation.
In addition to these routine care tasks, it is also important to see a doctor or stoma nurse regularly for checkups. These checkups will help to ensure that the stoma is healthy and functioning properly.
With proper care, a stoma can be managed safely and effectively. People with stomas can live full and active lives, and they can enjoy all the same activities as people without stomas.
Cleaning, emptying, changing
Caring for a stoma involves three main tasks: cleaning, emptying, and changing.
- Cleaning the stoma:
The stoma should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap at least once a day. It is important to be gentle when cleaning the stoma, as it is very delicate. You can use a soft washcloth or cotton balls to clean the stoma. Be sure to rinse the stoma thoroughly with water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Emptying the stoma bag:
The stoma bag should be emptied when it is about one-third full. This can be done by opening the bottom of the bag and allowing the waste to drain into a toilet or sink. You can also use a bedside commode or urinal to empty the bag. Once the bag is empty, rinse it with warm water and mild soap and reattach it to the skin around the stoma.
- Changing the stoma appliance:
The stoma appliance (bag and skin barrier) should be changed every 3 to 7 days. This helps to prevent leaks and skin irritation. To change the appliance, first remove the old appliance by peeling it away from the skin. Then, clean the stoma and the skin around it with warm water and mild soap. Apply a new skin barrier and attach the new stoma bag.
These are the basic steps involved in caring for a stoma. With a little practice, you will be able to do these tasks quickly and easily.
Manageable with support
Living with a stoma can be challenging at first, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your stoma and live a full and active life.
- Stoma nurses:
Stoma nurses are specially trained nurses who can provide you with education and support. They can teach you how to care for your stoma, manage any complications, and adjust to life with a stoma.
- Support groups:
There are many support groups available for people with stomas. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others.
- Online resources:
There are many helpful online resources available for people with stomas. These resources can provide you with information about stoma care, diet, and lifestyle.
- Family and friends:
Your family and friends can also be a source of support. Talk to them about your stoma and how they can help you.
With the right support, you can learn to manage your stoma and live a full and active life. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Enhances quality of life
A stoma can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Before surgery, a person may experience pain, discomfort, and incontinence. After surgery, a stoma can help to relieve these symptoms and improve a person's overall quality of life.
Here are some of the ways that a stoma can enhance a person's quality of life:
- Relief from pain and discomfort: A stoma can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a variety of conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis.
- Improved continence: A stoma can help to improve continence in people who have difficulty controlling their bowel movements or urine flow.
- Increased mobility: A stoma can allow people to be more mobile and active. They can participate in activities that they were unable to do before surgery, such as traveling, playing sports, and going to work.
- Improved social interaction: A stoma can help people to feel more confident and comfortable in social situations. They can interact with others without worrying about accidents or embarrassment.
Overall, a stoma can have a positive impact on a person's quality of life. It can help to relieve symptoms, improve continence, increase mobility, and improve social interaction.
Improves overall health
In addition to enhancing a person's quality of life, a stoma can also improve their overall health.
Here are some of the ways that a stoma can improve a person's overall health:
- Prevents complications: A stoma can help to prevent complications from a variety of conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis. For example, a colostomy can help to prevent a bowel obstruction, which can be a life-threatening condition.
- Promotes healing: A stoma can help to promote healing after surgery. For example, an ileostomy can help to rest the colon and allow it to heal after surgery for Crohn's disease.
- Improves nutrition: A stoma can help to improve nutrition in people who have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. For example, a jejunostomy can allow nutrients to be delivered directly into the small intestine.
- Reduces risk of cancer: In some cases, a stoma can help to reduce the risk of cancer. For example, a colectomy (removal of the colon) and ileostomy can reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Overall, a stoma can have a positive impact on a person's overall health. It can help to prevent complications, promote healing, improve nutrition, and reduce the risk of cancer.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about stomas:
Question 1: What is a stoma?
Answer: A stoma is a surgically-created opening in the body that allows waste products to exit the body.
Question 2: What are the different types of stomas?
Answer: The two main types of stomas are colostomies and ileostomies. A colostomy is created in the colon, while an ileostomy is created in the ileum.
Question 3: Why are stomas created?
Answer: Stomas are created to treat a variety of conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and birth defects.
Question 4: What is the surgery like to create a stoma?
Answer: Stoma surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and bring a loop of the intestine or colon to the surface of the skin. The end of the intestine or colon is then sewn to the skin, creating a stoma.
Question 5: How long will I have a stoma?
Answer: Some stomas are temporary, while others are permanent. A temporary stoma is created to allow the digestive system to rest and heal after surgery. A permanent stoma is created when a portion of the digestive tract has been removed.
Question 6: How do I care for a stoma?
Answer: A stoma requires regular care, including cleaning, emptying, and changing the stoma appliance.
Question 7: Can I live a normal life with a stoma?
Answer: Yes, people with stomas can live full and active lives. With proper care and support, a stoma can be managed safely and effectively.
If you have any other questions about stomas, please talk to your doctor or stoma nurse.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for living with a stoma:
Tips
Here are some practical tips for living with a stoma:
Tip 1: Find a support group
Support groups can provide you with a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others. There are many different support groups available, both online and in-person. Ask your doctor or stoma nurse for recommendations.
Tip 2: Be prepared for accidents
Accidents can happen, especially when you are first learning to manage your stoma. Be prepared by carrying extra supplies with you, such as stoma bags, wipes, and a change of clothes. You may also want to consider wearing a waterproof pouch or garment over your stoma to protect it from leaks.
Tip 3: Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with stomas. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your digestive system healthy and prevent complications.
Tip 4: Get regular exercise
Exercise is another important part of a healthy lifestyle for people with stomas. Exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and it can also help to reduce the risk of complications from your stoma.
Living with a stoma can be challenging at first, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your stoma and live a full and active life.
If you are struggling to adjust to life with a stoma, talk to your doctor or stoma nurse. They can provide you with additional support and resources.
Conclusion
A stoma is a surgically-created opening in the body that allows waste products to exit the body. Stomas are created to treat a variety of conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and birth defects.
Living with a stoma can be challenging at first, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your stoma and live a full and active life.
With proper care and support, people with stomas can live full and active lives. They can participate in all the same activities as people without stomas, such as traveling, playing sports, and going to work.
If you are considering stoma surgery, or if you have recently had stoma surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor or stoma nurse. They can provide you with the information and support you need to adjust to life with a stoma.