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Colostomy (artificial anus) is the removal of the large intestine through the abdominal wall to the outside and the creation of an artificial anus. A colostomy can be temporary or permanent, that is, lifelong. How is an artificial anus created? How to live with a colostomy?
Colostomy(popularly known asartificial anus ) is performed when a fragment of the large intestine or rectum needs to be removed, or when the intestine needs to be removedColostomyis often performed in the treatment ofcolorectal cancer,when, along with the tumor, part of the bowel or rectum has to be removed. The necessity to create a colostomy also occurs sometimes in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal damage as a result of an accident or injury.
Colostomy. What is this?
It is the exit of the large intestine through an opening made in the abdominal wall to the surface of the abdomen. A fragment of the intestine protrudes slightly above the shell and is red, like a lip. He's not innervated, so it doesn't hurt to touch him. Swelling may occur initially after the operation, but after the surgery has healed, everything passes.
Where is the colostomy?
The colostomy is usually placed on the left side of the lower abdomen. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to create it on the right side. There is no need to wear looser clothes except in the first postoperative period, as the stoma and even the pouch are not visible. You can even wear appropriately selected bathing suits. After the first period of adjustment, the person with a stoma can lead a normal life, enjoying all its charms.
How do I handle my colostomy?
After the procedure, the stoma nurse teaches proper hygiene of the colostomy. Remember to wash the skin around your stoma with soap and water, and to check the flexible plate on which the pouch is attached. The plates and bags are now made of skin-friendly but durable materials. The bags are opaque and often flesh-colored, so that they are difficult to see even when they slide out from under the clothes. You can use special sealing pastes between the plate and the bag to prevent leaks. The modern technique of fixing ostomy bags is reliable and prevents chafing. It should only be appropriate often (how often -your stoma nurse will tell you) change pouches. In some cases (the doctor will inform you about this) it is possible to irrigate the intestine and empty it from the stool. Then, instead of the pouch, you only wear a small cover, the so-called stomakap.
Diet for colstomy
You should eat often, but small portions (5-6 times a day), at regular intervals, preferably at the same time. Your diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruit and other high-fiber foods. Each organism reacts differently, which is why we select a detailed diet individually. However, flatulent foods are not recommended: cabbage and legumes, as well as carbonated drinks. However, you should remember to drink plenty of fluids - at least 2 liters a day. The ideal is to drink a minimum of 40 ml of fluid for every kilogram of body weight per day. This is very important because water is absorbed in the large intestine. When part of it is removed, absorption becomes impaired. So you need to supply more fluids and more frequently to keep your body hydrated properly.