General Information
DEFINITION--Creation of an artificial opening between a part of the colon (large
intestine) and the surface of the body. All feces will leave the body through this
opening, which is called an ostomy or stoma.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Large intestine.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Creating a temporary or permanent exit for feces to leave
the body above any abnormal parts of the colon.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Stress.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent illness.
- Chronic illness of the heart, lungs, liver or gastrointestinal tract.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; narcotics; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--General surgeon; colon-rectal surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of kidneys, chest and gastrointestinal
system; ECG; colonoscopy (See Glossary for both).
- After surgery: Blood studies.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made in the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are separated to expose the
abdominal organs, which are inspected for any undetected disease. Other surgeries may be
performed at this time.
- The colon section that is to be opened is isolated and clamped on both sides, then cut
between the clamps. The end of the colon closer to the stomach is brought out of the
abdomen and clamped outside the skin. The end farther from the stomach is closed.
- The abdominal contents are replaced, and muscles are closed around the stoma. Skin is
closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed in about 1 week.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Incisional hernia.
- Skin irritation around the stomach.
- Diarrhea.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--7 to 10 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. You can look
forward to a relatively normal life, except that bowel movements will now pass through the
stoma instead of the rectum. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
GENERAL MEASURES
- A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede
gradually.
- Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
- Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
- An enterostomy specialist (See Glossary) will
provide education and counseling for the patient and family.
MEDICATION---
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. Resume sexual relations when able.
> Resume driving 6 weeks after returning home.
DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function again.
Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.
Call Your Doctor If
† You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general
ill feeling and fever.
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- Skin around stoma becomes irritated or infected.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs in treatment may produce side effects.
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