All About Ostomy: Types, Procedures, and Recovery
Life happens to everyone, regardless of who they are, where they live, or what they do. You’re sometimes forced to choose between difficult options, and other times you don’t have a choice.
In those instances, understanding the changes that occur when things do happen is the greatest way to go forward and live a full life. This is especially true when an ostomy is required. We’ll go over all you need to know about comprehending your ostomy in this blog.
What is an Ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a passageway (stoma) from one part of the body to another. It is used to treat illnesses of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems.
When an organ must be removed, it can be permanent. When an organ requires time to heal, it may be temporary. The small intestine, colon, rectum, or bladder could be the organ in question. There must be a new way for wastes to leave the body with an ostomy.
What is a Stoma?
A segment of your ureter or small or large bowel will protrude through your skin and connect to an external pouch after the procedure. The stoma is the name for this orifice. After continent diversion procedures, a pouch or bag is connected to the stoma.
It’s usually something to do with the stoma when people encounter issues with their ostomy surgery. As a result, it’s a good idea to get to know your stoma so you can tell your doctor if anything changes. A normal stoma will be reddish-brown in colour, wet, and shiny.
Various Types of Ostomies
Depending on the underlying reason for the surgery, different forms of ostomies are used.
- Colostomy- A colostomy is the removal of a portion of the colon or rectum.
- Urostomy- When urine needs to be channelled away from a sick or dysfunctional bladder, urostomy surgery is performed.
- Ileostomy- This procedure entails moving a section of the small intestine called the ileum outside the abdominal wall.
- J-Pouch- A j-pouch is a surgically constructed internal reservoir made from a person’s own small intestine.
What to Expect in Surgery?
Since it is an invasive surgery that changes how your digestive tract functions, it will take a while for things to heal. Usually, doctors recommend waiting a few months after surgery to resume all of your normal activities. Once you’ve recovered, all of your everyday activities can be resumed—except for any high-contact sports.
As with all surgeries, there are possibilities for complications. After surgery, pay attention to your stoma and the surrounding skin. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Tell your doctor if you’re having stomach troubles or need to go to the restroom. When it comes to major procedures, it’s always best to be safe than sorry, so call your doctor if you’re not feeling well or notice anything unusual.
Visit SafeHandsHHC website and get everything about ostomy care.
