OverviewWhat’s an ostomy?An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in your abdominal wall. This opening goes from an area inside your body to the outside, usually through your abdominal muscles and skin. Ostomy surgery creates a new way for waste to leave your body. Ostomy procedures often remove fecal waste (poop), though they can involve urine (pee) as well. Show
What’s the difference between an ostomy and a stoma?A stoma is a general term referring to an opening created during an ostomy surgical procedure. A stoma may be made in different areas of your body depending on the goal of the surgery. What are the different types of stomas?There are several different types of stomas. Some of the most common examples include:
Ostomies may be temporary or permanent depending on your unique healthcare needs. For example, if you’ve recently undergone colorectal surgery, your healthcare provider may perform a temporary ileostomy so that your colon has time to heal. However, if your entire rectum, colon or anus has been bypassed or removed, you will need a permanent ileostomy. Who needs an ostomy?People with certain digestive or urinary issues may need ostomy surgery. For example, you may need an ostomy if you have:
How common is ostomy surgery?Plenty of people have ostomy surgery. Approximately 1 in every 500 Americans lives with an ostomy. Procedure DetailsWhat happens before ostomy surgery?Prior to your ostomy surgery, you’ll meet with your medical team to discuss the details of your procedure. During this appointment, you healthcare provider will determine the location of your stoma by talking with you about your lifestyle, typical clothing choices and personal preferences. You’ll also learn how to properly care for your stoma. Additionally, your healthcare provider will demonstrate different types of ostomy appliances that can improve your quality of life. What happens during ostomy surgery?Ostomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Your surgeon may create a long incision in your abdomen, or they may perform the procedure laparoscopically. Laparoscopy requires smaller incisions, uses a camera to look inside your body, and typically allows for faster recovery. Your healthcare provider can let you know which type of incision you’ll have. The steps of ostomy surgery can vary depending on your specific needs. Here’s a look at the most common types of ostomy procedures:
What happens after ostomy surgery?Most people will need to stay in the hospital after ostomy surgery. Hospital stay varies by stoma and surgical approach but can be as short as a day or two. During this time, your medical team will keep a close eye on you to ensure that you’re healing properly. You may need an intravenous (IV) drip to keep you hydrated. Additionally, a catheter may be placed to drain urine. Risks / BenefitsWhat are the advantages of ostomy?In many situations, ostomy surgery is life-saving. In other situations, the procedure treats a wide range of digestive and urinary diseases and helps people significantly improve their quality of life. What are the risks of ostomy?As with any surgery, there can be complications after ostomy surgery. They can range from mild to severe and may include:
How long is ostomy surgery recovery?All in all, ostomy surgery recovery takes about eight weeks. Though you’ll need to limit your activity and take it easy, you should still get up and walk around as you’re able. Staying mobile will aid in healing, prevent infections and help your bowel work more quickly. Can you tell me about ostomy care?People who’ve had ostomy surgery will wear an ostomy bag or pouch. They must learn how to attach, empty and change the pouch. Most ostomy bags or pouching systems come with one or two pieces. The bag also comes with a barrier (which protects your stoma) and a disposable plastic pouch. How often should I change my ostomy bag?It depends on the type of pouch system you have. Most people will need to change their ostomy bag every three to seven days. However, some bags are designed to be changed daily. When changing your ostomy bag, be sure to:
In addition to keeping your ostomy stoma clean, be sure to examine it daily to ensure it looks normal. If you notice any changes in its size, color or shape, contact your healthcare provider immediately. When can I go back to work or school?You can return to work or school after you’ve recovered from ostomy surgery and feel strong enough to maintain normal routines. You should also be comfortable emptying your ostomy bag without assistance. When to Call the DoctorIf you’ve recently undergone ostomy surgery, it can be challenging to know which symptoms warrant a call to your healthcare provider. You should always trust your instincts if something doesn’t seem quite right. Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice:
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan ostomy surgery be reversed?Yes, in some cases. A temporary ostomy is performed when your bowel needs time to heal. Once your bowel is functioning properly again, your provider can perform stoma reversal surgery. Can I shower without my ostomy bag?Yes. Showering or bathing without your ostomy pouch is perfectly safe. Can I swim while wearing my ostomy bag?Yes. Pouching systems are waterproof. When sealed properly, they can be worn anytime you’re in water. What’s a j-pouch and how does it differ from an ostomy?The main difference is that a j-pouch involves creating a pouch inside the body while ostomy requires a pouch outside the body. In j-pouch surgery, the large intestine is removed and a portion of the lower intestine is used to create a small pouch. This pouch remains inside the body and is attached to the remaining rectum. People who have j-pouch surgery don't have a stoma. Instead, the waste collects in the pouch and is eliminated through the anus. That being said, many people who undergo J-pouch surgery must have a temporary ileostomy while they heal from their initial procedure. Once your bowel heals, however, the stoma is removed and fecal waste is moved through the internal J pouch. A note from Cleveland Clinic Hundreds of thousands of people who’ve had ostomy surgery lead active, fulfilling lives. This procedure can help you regain your health and give you a new lease on life. What type of colostomy is located on the right lower quadrant?Ascending colostomy
Located on the right side of your abdomen, this type of colostomy is rare. During this procedure, most of your colon will likely be removed, so waste is liquid with this stoma.
What are the 3 types of stomas?There are three main types of stoma related to the digestive and urinary system - these are: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.
Is an ileostomy always on the right side?Usually, ileostomies (stomas made from the last portion of the small intestine) are placed in the right lower quadrant, while people who require colostomies (stomas made from part of the large intestine) have their stomas placed in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
What is an abcarian stoma?A colostomy may have one or two ends of bowel brought out or can be located at the stoma site. If the colostomy is just one end it is called an end colostomy. If there are two ends, it may be called a loop or an end-loop (also known in Australia as an Abcarian) colostomy, depending on how they are constructed.
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