What is a Colostomy?
A colostomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the large intestine (colon) is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall, creating a stoma for waste elimination.
Types of Colostomy
-
Temporary Colostomy: Created for a limited time to allow healing
-
Permanent Colostomy: A long-term solution when part of the bowel needs permanent diversion
Common Locations
- Ascending colostomy
- Transverse colostomy
- Descending colostomy
- Sigmoid colostomy
Living with a Colostomy
Stoma Care
- Clean the stoma gently with warm water
- Inspect daily for changes in color or size
- Apply pouching system carefully
Pouching Systems
-
One-piece systems: Pouch and barrier combined
-
Two-piece systems: Separate pouch and barrier
Diet Considerations
- Eat regular meals at consistent times
- Chew food thoroughly
- Stay well-hydrated
- Introduce new foods gradually
Potential Complications
- Skin irritation
- Blockage
- Dehydration
- Stoma problems
When to Seek Medical Help
- Severe abdominal pain
- Continuous bleeding
- Significant stoma changes
- Signs of infection
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Most activities can be resumed after recovery
- Swimming and sports are possible
- Special considerations for clothing
- Travel preparation tips
Support Resources
- Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurses
- Support groups
- Online communities
- Educational materials