Bowel Stoma

A surgically created opening in the abdomen to allow intestinal wastes to leave the body is known as a bowel stoma. The surgeon creates this artificial opening by bringing the end of the bowel out through the abdominal wall. He then stitches the end of the bowel to the abdominal skin. Bowel surgery is the most common reason an individual may need a stoma.

Types of stoma

There are two types of stoma created on the bowel: colostomy and ileostomy. Both these stomas can be permanent or temporary, depending on the underlying condition.

• A colostomy involves the diversion of a part of the colon. The surgeon beings this part out through the abdominal skin to create a stoma.
• An ileostomy involves the diversion of the small intestine. Your surgeon will create this stoma by bringing the end of the small intestine through the abdominal wall.

You will need a temporary stoma until the newly joined bowel heals. In such a situation, the surgeon will want to create a loop stoma, which opens both the active and inactive end of the bowel. Having a temporary stoma necessitates you to undergo another surgical procedure aimed at reversing the stoma. Less than 10% of individuals with colon cancer need a permanent stoma.

A stoma is moist, red, and soft to touch. Due to the mucous membrane, this bud-like structure looks much like the inside of the mouth. It is usually slightly raised from the surface of the surrounding skin. Because there are no nerve endings in this part of the bowel, you won’t feel anything on it.

The size of the stoma may vary, and it may change its shape a few weeks after surgery. Right after surgery, an ostomy care nurse will see you and teach you how to care for your stoma.

The function of the stoma

A stoma allows you to expel bodily wastes without using your anus. Since there are no sphincters present in the stoma, you will not be able to control when to move your bowels. That is why you will need to wear an ostomy bag the entire time. Each ostomy bag has a skin barrier with a side laden with the adhesive. This side goes against the skin around the stoma. A hole in the skin barrier allows the ostomy appliance to fit over the stoma in such a way that the stoma opens into the bag.

Your nurse will teach you how to apply an ostomy bag over the stoma. He or she will also let you know about the best practices to ensure a proper seal.

Next, you will learn how to empty or discard your ostomy bag. The elements integrated into the pouch allow you to empty or detach the ostomy pouch.

Living with an ostomy

While an ostomy changes the way you use the toilet, it is not something aimed at becoming a disability. You can eat anything you want and engage in any physical activity of your choice. There will, undoubtedly, be some routine changes. But, you will ultimately be able to live the life of your choice.