Colostomy

Colostomy is an artificial anus which may be temporary or permanent. The intestine consists of 2 main parts: the small intestine (or ileum) and the large intestine (or colon) and continues through the rectum and anus. The colon reabsorbs water stool but also is digesting some fiber food. After passing through the small intestine, feces which arrive in the colon are liquid, then as they progress through colic, they thicken. The anus is the exit point.

Surgery is the classic solution to treat colon cancer: doctors have to remove the tumor and the lymph nodes, but sometimes it is impossible to recreate the continuity of the intestine during a bowel movement. That is why is used an artificial anus. Colostomy purpose is to perform the anastomosis of the colon to the wall of the abdomen temporarily or permanently: the bowel is diverting colon to the outside and feces are collected in a collecting bag. The colon has three main parts and each of them can be the point of a colostomy: the right or ascending colon, transverse colon and left colon or descending, located just above the rectum. The former (right colon or transverse) are high Colostomy and seconds (left colon) are low Colostomy. In the case of a right transverse colostomy ( high colostomy ), the stools are semi-liquid or pasty, and for a left colostomy, the stools are solid.

Colostomy diet

The regime of a person which carries a right colostomy must inevitably be suited to transit, while applying personal physician recommendation. We must learn to expand the supply gradually introducing foods in order to achieve a balanced diet. It is also important to split the food intake over the day. It is also advisable to cut food into small pieces and chew well. A key point of your diet is to avoid foods that may block the opening of the pocket, those involving seeds, small grains, son, skins, pulp and fibrous foods.

Colostomy care - How to take care of your stoma

Do not be afraid of the stoma, because it is not a wound. It is insensitive, but sometimes may bleed easily. So please do not rub it. You will realize the toilet of your stoma when you change equipment. After a learning period you will quickly acquire the dexterity to care for your stoma.

A patient with an old healed and paired colostomy can not always guarantee himself the wound care of his stoma. After a hospitalization, a tiredness is present because the pacient is too physically or mentally weakened. The nursing assistant is allowed to practice this care in institutions or at home. Do not be afraid to make the toilet of your colostomy. It is a simple hygiene care. Bathrooms and showers are not a problem, the devices are waterproof.

Colostomy bag

Substances and gases are evacuated by the stoma and wearing a collecting bag is necessary when the emission control is not possible. A colostomy apparatus consists of two parts: a collecting bag and a protective backing, based on hydrocolloids, adhering to the skin without irritation. Colonic irrigation should be performed only on prescription.

The principle of the colonic irrigation is to empty the entire colon for two or three days. Warm water is enjected through the stoma. Cold water can cause colic, water too hot, too. This water goes back into the colon and causes a reflex bowel movement, thus completely emptying the colon content. Laboratories can provide a kit for irrigation.

Colostomy complications

As with any surgery, complications can occur. In rare cases (between 2 and 6%), problems on the digestive sutures occur and problems of "leakage" or infections. The patient may have blocked the transit bloating or vomiting. In this case, consider a new intervention and perhaps the installation of an "artificial anus". Immediately after, the transit is generally suspended for several hours (48 hours maximum under laparoscopy). The surgeon is obliged to perform an operation with a few centimeters incision. The gas emission is a sign that everything comes in order, that transit is being resumed and that the intestine functions normally again.

Colonic Irrigation

Colonic irrigation is an enema administered through a specific material in a left colostomy. Its purpose is to evacuate the entire contents of the colon, which will result in the absence of direct disposal of feces for 48 to 72 hours after the enema. Colonic irrigation is also impacting on the evacuation of gases that are less numerous and thus more discreet.

Apparatus specifically adapted to pacients needs:

Mini pocket.
Continence pads that provide comfort, freedom of movement and security.

Colonic irrigation positively influence the quality of life of those who practice it. The colostomy is usually on the lower left side of the abdomen. Is more or less round with a diameter of about 2.5-5 cm. Stomata in the colon area are named after the place where they will be dispelled: Sigmoidostomie (stoma in sigmoid colon = S-shaped lower colon) Colostomy (commonly in the large intestine = colon), Transversostomie (in the transverse colon = transverse colon, Coecostomie (in the cecum ) = cecum. In a terminal colostomy, the end of the colon is brought out through the abdominal wall after the sphincter. The rectum and the extent of disease are the equivalent proportion of the lower colon and they were removed.

Colostomy pictures

The double-barreled colostomy

A double-barreled colostomy is created with the aim of deducing the chair in front of an obstacle, an inflamed bowel or too mild intestinal suture. This end, a colon loop (usually in the transverse colon = Transversostomie) drawn from the abdominal wall and cut on the front, creating two openings. The afferent portion of the bowel is empty - due to the shortened digestive route - often mushy stool. The efferent limb direction intestine rectum rally despite elimination of the normal passage of intestinal small amounts of feces and mucus, which are eliminated naturally through the anus. The redeployment depends on the healing of the spare part and the quality of bowel sphincter function.