Stoma - a word derived from the Greek word mouth - means a stoma or a fistula. A stoma or fistula is an opening that connects an organ of interest to the skin, such as a stoma in the large intestine (colostomy). It is performed surgically. The word fistula is also used to describe an opening connecting two organs or an internal organ with the skin resulting from an abnormal structure or disease process, e.g. a rectal or gingival fistula.
Stomais the most commondigestive systemorurinary system . When a part of the intestine needs to be removed as a result of an injury (very often after traffic accidents) or diseases (most often cancer), a stoma is performed to maintain the body's excretory functions. This consists in making a hole in the skin and abdominal integuments, revealing a fragment of the intestine and creating an artificial anus, which allows the faeces to escape.
Types of stoma
Depending on the place where the stoma is located, we can talk about it:
A stoma, both in the digestive tract and in the urinary tract, can be temporary or permanent - that is, it remains for the rest of your life.
- colostomy (in the large intestine)
- ileostomy (in the small intestine)
- A urostomy allows you to pass urine by making a puncture through the skin and inserting a catheter. Urostomy is performed when urine cannot be passed through the urethra (bladder stoma), through the bladder (e.g. when it is removed as a result of disease or trauma) - then a catheter is led from the ureters. If both the ureters cannot fulfill their function, the catheter connects to the renal pelvis.
Stomia - how to live with her
Ostomy surgery is often necessary for a person to function normally. However, this is often a difficult solution to accept. Mainly because we stop controlling our excretion and we are forced to use special bags for urine or feces (depending on the type of disease and the chosen stoma). That is why associations of people with stomas have been established, in which doctors, nurses, psychologists and patients themselves help to get used to the stoma, accept it and learn to live with it (www.polilko.pl). There is also underwear, the cut of which is adapted to support the ostomy bags, and at the same time mask them so that they are not visible.through clothes.
Fistula
When a tooth becomes inflamed and pus builds up, sometimes a bulge filled with pus and blood appears on the gum. This is a sign that there is a fistula. It can happen in different places and it can affect different organs. Very often, fistulas appear as a result of a cancerous disease. Treatment depends on the place and reason for the appearance of the fistula. In the tooth, it helps to heal inflammation. Then the fistula will close by itself. However, if we are dealing with an anal fistula - surgery is necessary. An anal fistula usually results from an abscess. It is not known exactly why the structures of the anus, known as crypts, sometimes deepen. There is an accumulation of fecal matter and an infection from which an abscess develops. It manifests itself as a painful bulge around the anus and a fever. The symptoms are very strong. It is necessary to cut the abscess and clean it. Unfortunately, even the best performed procedure does not prevent the formation of a fistula, i.e. an additional channel connecting the anus with the skin. The symptom of a fistula is oozing purulent content and a feeling of so-called wet anus. Only an experienced surgeon can remove the fistula. The procedure requires a good fistula evaluation, high skill and a steady hand. Charles-François Tassy, dit Félix ou Charles-Francois Félix de Tassy, court surgeon of the French king Louis IV, was awarded the title of nobility for the successful surgery of the ruler's fistula. Today, although the surgical techniques have advanced, the rectal fistula surgery is still a difficult one.