What Is A Colostomy? Some Basic Information

Colostomy is a stoma, ie a surgical technique that involves creating a means of communication between an internal organ and the outside of the body. Stomias can affect the digestive or urinary system.

In the case of a colostomy, an incision is made in the abdomen, which allows a portion of the large intestine to communicate with the outside. This point of contact is called the “stoma.”

The colostomy divides the intestines in two artificially. The anterior portion of the stoma continues to be functional and can perform all of its usual roles. But the posterior part no longer works, because the feces will come out through the opening.

Like the portion of the large intestine posterior to the stoma, neither the rectum nor the anus will function. But it is possible that their mucous membranes continue to secrete fluids that will be eliminated on the outside.

Because the colostomy targets the large intestine, nutrient absorption will not be affected. This process is performed by the small intestine, which is not affected by this technique. Colostomy has an impact on the production and elimination of feces.

In which categories is colostomy divided?

There are three types of colostomies:

1. Temporary colostomy

As its name suggests, temporary colostomy is useful in the case of pathologies or interventions that evolve better when the large intestine rests.

For example, patients undergoing bowel surgery need time to heal. To prevent stools from passing, the doctor creates a temporary stoma, which he will close at some point. After the closure procedure, the entire digestive system will function as usual.

2. Permanent colostomy

In this case, the doctor performs the colostomy in order to create a permanent stoma. This solution can be used, for example, in patients diagnosed with an advanced form of colon cancer, who are forced to lose a significant portion of the large intestine. If the specialists conclude that the intestinal transit will not be able to be resumed, they resort to permanent colostomies.

3. Transverse colostomy

The name of this type of colostomy is based on its location. The large intestine is divided into three parts, including the transverse colon, located in the upper abdomen.

Colostomies are rarely performed in the transverse colon, but this may be necessary in some situations. This location also allows temporary or permanent colostomies.

Colostomy bags

The colostomy allows the removal of stools through the stoma to the outside. They no longer have to go through the rectum and anus.

Involuntarily removed stools are stored in colostomy bags. These bags are attached to the stoma and act as a container for feces that the large intestine regularly eliminates.

Although there are many types of colostomy bags, they all have two main components: the system through which the bag attaches to the skin and stoma and the collection system, which could be a simple bag or an emptying mechanism.

Many manufacturers offer such bags, which is why their prices vary. We have cheap and expensive colostomy bags, made of materials with different degrees of resistance, small, medium or large, transparent or colored, with or without a lid.

Another aspect by which we can distinguish colostomy bags is their emptying system. Choosing the right bag will depend on the patient’s preferences, available models and budget. In general, colostomy bags can be:

• Disposable: As soon as the bag is filled, the patient removes it and attaches another.
• Drainable: The bag has an opening that allows its contents to be removed and then reused.
• Washable: Some bags have a special attachment system through which they can be removed. They are made of washable materials and, as soon as they have been cleaned, they can be reattached.

What complications is colostomy associated with?

Disruption of normal bowel function and attaching a body colostomy bag can naturally lead to certain complications. Some of these will be more serious than others. The most common are:

• Dermatitis: The skin around the stoma may turn red due to colostomy and stool removal. In general, if proper hygiene is maintained and special creams are used, this side effect can be kept under control.
• Narrowing of the stoma: After the operation, the diameter of the stoma begins to decrease. Although this phenomenon is normal, if the narrowing becomes excessive, a new intervention will be needed for recanalization. Otherwise, the removal of the seats will be inhibited.
• Stoma movement: The intestines can change their position in the region where the colostomy was performed. Therefore, they will exert more pressure, causing a hernia in the stoma. The stoma can also retract inwards. Both cases require medical care to ensure optimal colostomy function.