Colostomy:

A Colostomy is an opening in the large intestine (colon), through the abdominal wall. This opening is called a stoma. The stoma is actually the lining of the intestine, which is similar to the lining of your mouth and is pink and moist.

Colostomy surgery is performed for many different diseases and conditions. These include cancer of the colon, rectum or anus, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, trauma and birth defects. Colostomies can be temporary or permanent. Temporary colostomies may be necessary to protect a section of colon during healing.

The colostomy functions similarly to the natural bowel. The body’s chemistry, digestive function and ability to nourish itself are usually not altered by it. However, because there is no muscle left to control the expelling of stool or gas, a protective collection device (pouch) is necessary for management. Consistency of colostomy output will depend on where in the large intestine the stoma is constructed, diet, medication and other factors.

Some colostomy patients chose to regulate their bowel function by diet or routine irrigations of the stoma. Irrigation is similar to an enema and causes the bowel to evacuate at a given time and place.

There are three types of colostomies – ascending, transverse, and descending.

Tranverse Colostomy:

Indications:

• Diverticulitis.
• Trauma (injury).
• Birth Defects.
• Cancer/descending
• or sigmoid colon.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Paralysis.

Discharge:

• Semi-solid.
• Unpredictable.
• Contains some digestive enzymes.

Management:

• Skin protection.
• Drainable pouch.
• Closed-end pouch for convenience or special moments.

Descending Colostomy:

Indications:

Cancer of rectum or sigmoid colon.
Diverticulitis.
Trauma (injury).
Congenital defects.
Bowel obstruction.
Paralysis.

Discharge:

Resembles normal bowel movements.
Regulated in some persons, not in others.