A Brief Note On Bowel Ostomies

There are two types of bowel #ostomies: colostomy and ileostomy. An ileostomy refers to an intestinal diversion, which results in the part of the #ileum being pulled out of an incision in the belly. Resultantly, the feces pass out without proceeding to the colon. A colostomy, on the other hand, is when the surgeon pulls out a part of the colon through a cut in the belly. Both ostomies result in an opening in the abdomen. This opening is known as the stoma.

 

Both the colostomy and ileostomy can be permanent or temporary, depending on the underlying condition.

 

Why may you need a colostomy or ileostomy?

Your surgeon may want to give a colostomy or ileostomy when you need the removal or bypassing of a part of your bowel. An ileostomy or colostomy may be a part of the treatment for following health conditions or reasons.

• Cancer in the rectum, anus, or colon

• Inflammatory bowel #disease

• Familial adenomatous #polyposis (FAP)

• Bowel obstruction

• Injury

• Diverticulitis

 

Locations of a colostomy or ileostomy

The location of a #bowel ostomy depends on the site of the infection. A colostomy is divided into four subtypes, and each subtype gets its name from the location of the ostomy.

• A colostomy in the sigmoid colon is known as a sigmoid colostomy. This one is the most common colostomy type.

• A colostomy in the descending part of the #colon is called a descending colostomy. It is located on the left side of the abdomen.

• A colostomy in the transverse portion of the colon is known as a transverse colostomy. It is located somewhere in the upper abdomen.

• A colostomy in the ascending part of the large intestine is known as the ascending colostomy. It is the part of the colon that connects with the ileum. It is the least common type of colostomy.

• An ileostomy, as the name suggests, is created on the ileum, which is the end of the small intestine.

 

The location of the bowel ostomy determines the consistency of the stool passing out of the stoma. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water from the stool as it proceeds towards the rectum and anus. There will be more watery stool passing out of the stoma if the surgeon removes more length of the colon. That said, an ileostomy results in more water consistency of the stool, as it bypasses the entire colon.

 

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for 5-10 days, depending on the duration of the initial recovery. The doctors will give you pain medication to help you remain comfortable. You will need to limit your diet to liquids for a couple of days after surgery. You can introduce solid foods into your diet gradually.

 

Right after surgery, the stoma will be swollen. Its color and overall appearance will be much like the inside of your mouth. The stoma has a lot of blood vessels that can cause it to bleed when you rub it, but the absence of nerve endings in it means that you won’t feel any pain.

 

The overall recovery after ostomy surgery can last up to six or eight weeks. During this time, your doctor will instruct you to limit your physical activities, and stick to a more restricted diet. You will be able to introduce your favorite foods back into your diet gradually after the recovery phase is over.

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