Contents:
- Medical Video: G2Voice Broadcast 123: Why Health Nuts are NUTS! 1-20-19
- What is a colostomy?
- Who needs a colostomy?
- Risk and side effects of a colostomy procedure
- What to do after a colostomy operation
Medical Video: G2Voice Broadcast 123: Why Health Nuts are NUTS! 1-20-19
Small children or adults who have difficulty defecating (BAB) for days are usually advised to do a colostomy. Colostomy is a type of major surgery performed to treat various diseases and conditions, especially those related to the large intestine. So, who should undergo this surgical procedure and what are the conditions? Come on, find out in the following review.
What is a colostomy?
Simply put, a colostomy is an operation to make a hole in the abdomen to remove faeces or feces. This type of surgery is often referred to as intestinal diversion therapy, because the purpose of a colostomy is to replace the function of the large intestine to accommodate and remove feces.
This operation is done by opening one end of the large intestine, then connected to an opening or hole (stoma) on the abdominal wall, usually on the left side of the stomach. Stool will no longer come out through the anus, but through the hole aka stoma on the abdominal wall.
After that, a colostomy bag will be attached to the stomach hole to accommodate the stool that comes out. This bag needs to be replaced regularly after the stool is full so as not to cause infection.
There is a slight difference in the shape of the stool that comes out through the anus and stomach hole. The difference is that the stool that comes out may not be as tight as when it exits through the anus, but it tends to be softer or runny. However, this also depends on the health condition of each patient.
Who needs a colostomy?
Colostomy procedures are usually performed on people who have problems in the lower intestine. This condition causes feces to be difficult to remove from the large intestine and over time can endanger health.
The causes can vary. Among them are:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Inflammatory bowel sac (diverticulitis).
- Colon cancer.
- Colonic polyp, which is the growth of extra tissue in the large intestine that can turn into cancer.
- Atresia ani, which is a condition when the baby's large intestine has not been fully formed so that it becomes clogged and very narrow.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Colostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition of each patient. Permanent surgery is usually done if the patient is unable to defecate normally because of cancer, adhesions, or removal of parts of the large intestine.
If problems in the large intestine make the patient sick, for example due to colon cancer, then permanent surgery might be done. This means that a hole or stoma in the abdominal wall will continue to be left open. So, patients can only defecate through these holes for life.
Meanwhile, children with congenital defects usually need a temporary colostomy. After the bowel condition improves or heals, the stoma hole can be closed and bowel function will return to normal.
Risk and side effects of a colostomy procedure
Colostomy is one type of major surgery that requires anesthesia. Just like other surgeries, there are risks of side effects that may occur after the surgery takes place. Ranging from allergic reactions to anesthesia to the factor of the colostomy bag itself.
As you might already know, faeces or human waste contains bacteria and waste substances that must be removed immediately. In people who undergo this type of surgery, the stool is no longer released through the anus but instead through the hole in the stomach.
As a result, the dirt that comes out can cause irritation and inflammation in the area around the stomach hole. Colostomy bags that stick to the stomach can also have the same effect.
In addition, the risk of other side effects that may occur after colostomy surgery are:
- Skin irritation
- Damage to other organs around the large intestine
- Hernia
- Bleeding in the stomach
- The intestine protrudes through the stoma more than it should
- Scarring and clogging of the intestines appear
- Open wounds in the area around the large intestine
However, before the surgery begins, the doctor will certainly tell you all the information about the colostomy. Starting from the stages, benefits, side effects, to the risk of complications that may occur.
Take it easy, believe that the doctor will definitely give all the best for you. If you still have questions or doubts, don't be afraid to tell your surgeon.
What to do after a colostomy operation
You are usually recommended for hospitalization for 3-7 days from before surgery to the recovery period. To speed up recovery, make sure you really rest your body to the fullest when hospitalized.
On the first day after surgery, you will usually be asked to suck ice cubes to help reduce thirst. After that, you will be given liquid food until soft food gradually to keep your digestive system stable after surgery.
You will also be taught how to use a colostomy bag correctly. Remember, pay close attention to instructions from doctors and hospital staff on how to install and replace it correctly. That way, the risk of infection that might occur after surgery can be avoided.
