Stomas, Colostomy and Ileostomy in Bowel Disease
Information on Ostomy Bags and Pouches, Diet and Stoma Care
Nov 16, 2009
A stoma is a small opening in the abdomen that is created and connected to part of the intestine by a surgeon. When the stoma is connected to the small intestine, the procedure is called an ileostomy. A stoma connected to the large intestine is called a colostomy. The term “ostomy” is used to cover both types of procedure.
When is a Stoma Needed?
An ostomy procedure may be required in people who have had a length of their bowel removed due to cancer, injury, or an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. When the removed bowel includes the anus, the patient can no longer defecate normally and so a stoma is created to discharge the body’s waste.
In some cases, a stoma is only a temporary measure to allow the bowel to “rest” after surgery or in people with problems such as chronic constipation, obstruction or a fistula. When the bowel has recovered enough to pass stools again, the stoma is closed and the cut ends of intestine are reattached to each other.
Ostomy Bags
Following an ileostomy or colostomy, the patient’s faeces are collected in a pouch or bag attached to the stoma with an airtight seal. Many patients are understandably afraid that their colostomy bag will be unsightly and prohibit favourite pastimes such as sports. However, modern ostomy pouches are designed to be unobtrusive and odour-free, and users can lead a full and active life. With a “mini-pouch,” even swimming is possible.
Some types of ostomy pouch can be opened to drain the contents into the toilet, while others must be removed and replaced each time they become full.
Ileostomy and Colostomy Diet
People with a stoma are encouraged to eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fluids. Only small amounts of high-fibre foods should eaten at first, but this can be increased gradually under the supervision of a stoma nurse or therapist.
- Those with an ileostomy may need to avoid foods that can cause blockages in the stoma; these include potato skins, raw fruit skins, celery strings, sweetcorn, mushrooms and nuts.
- Colostomy patients may be advised to avoid foods such as beans and cabbage. These can produce large amounts of gas (flatus), which may cause a colostomy bag to balloon while the patient sleeps.
Stoma Supplies and Care
A wide range of products is available to help keep stomas working smoothly. Protective barriers, filler pastes and washers are used to maintain a good seal and prevent irritation of the skin around the pouch, while filters can be employed to remove gas from colostomy bags. A specialist stoma nurse or therapist can provide advice, information and emotional support as the patient returns to his or her normal life.
References:
BUPA. Stoma Care. Accessed 16-11-09
Colostomy Association. Accessed 16-11-09
Thompson-Fawcett MW. Pouches and Stomas. Medicine 2003; 31(2); 83–7.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
 |
