The process involved to bring the part of your colon to the surface of your abdomen is known as colostomy creation. It results in a small opening in the belly called a stoma. This opening passes out the stool, bypassing the rested or removed part of the colon. Having a stoma necessitates a person to wear an ostomy bag the entire time.
Why may you need a colostomy?
You may need a colostomy when your surgeon removes or rests a part of your colon to treat its illness. Conditions that may lead you to require a colostomy may include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis. An injury or trauma to the abdomen may also necessitate you to have a colostomy.
Duration of a colostomy
- A temporary colostomy is reversible. Its duration varies from case to case. Some may require it for months, and some may need it for years. The purpose of this colostomy is to rest the rectum and colon until it recovers from an underlying condition. You will need to undergo another operation for the colostomy reversal when the diseased part of the colon heals. During this operation, the surgeon rejoins the colon, allowing you to have bowel movements naturally.
- A permanent colostomy lasts for a lifetime. You may need it when the surgeon removes a part of your colon due to an incurable disease. Some conditions result in permanent damage to the colon. Those conditions also lead to a person requiring a permanent colostomy.
Different types of colostomies
The type of colostomy generally depends on the location of the stoma on the colon. There are four segments of the colon: ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid. A colostomy gets its name from the section where the stoma exists.
- An ascending colostomy operation results in the creation of the stoma on the ascending section of the colon. This section is the nearest to the small bowel, which means that a larger part of your bowel will become inactive after surgery. This colostomy passes out the stool of liquid consistency.
- A colostomy on the upper abdomen is the transverse colostomy. This colostomy results in the loose stool, which has a slightly thicker consistency than that of an ascending colostomy.
- A descending or sigmoid colostomy operation results in the stoma created on the lower left side of the abdomen. With this colostomy, you retain a larger part of your colon, meaning that the stool passing out will be more formed.
After surgery
After surgery, your surgical staff will monitor you consistently until you are fully awake. You will need to stay in the hospital for 3-7 days, depending on how quickly you have the initial recovery. During this hospital stay, you will learn about how to take care of your stoma. The nurse will run you through the entire ostomy bag management procedure to prepare you for life with a stoma.
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