The colostomy is a procedure that involves cutting off the colon and protrude it to the outside through the abdominal wall to form an artificial opening. The colostomy bag helps collect your faeces until the colon can heal or corrective surgery is performed. The attachment of a colostomy is commonly done temporarily, but the procedure can be conducted permanently in certain situations.If you undergo a temporal colostomy, the final stage of stitching the bowel back together will happen at eight to twelve weeks.
There are several underlying reasons why an individual may consider having a colostomy. One of the many reasons that one may need the procedure conducted is having inflammatory bowel conditions. If the muscles that control your bowel movements are cut off during the surgical procedures, you will have difficulties controlling your bowels. Therefore you will have to perform a colostomy to allow your bowel contents to empty in the colostomy bag.
How to conduct Colostomy Surgery
A colostomy is carried out by creating a small cut through the abdomen wall to one side of the central opening. The upper cut end of the bowel is carried out over this opening and the edges are sewn to the edges of the opening. The lower cut end may be stitched inside or brought out.
The bowel waste products will empty via the colostomy and be collected in a waterproof bag positioned above the stoma. The colostomy bag is made of a unique waterproof material that is adhesive and sticks to the areas without using adhesive tape.
After the Colostomy procedure is done, you may experience some abdominal pains. During this period, it’s crucial to be in direct contact with a stoma nurse who is professionally trained to helps patients have a smooth recovery. The nurse also offers dietary guidelines to lessen bowel problems to make sure the stoma remains healthy.
Dieting Advice
Immediately after the colostomy procedure is done, you are advised to observe your eating behaviors. It is always advisable to stick to a low residue diet to give more time for your bowel to recover. After some time, you can go back to your regular eating habits. However, some patients may be advised to avoid fibrous food or foods with tough outer skin to avoid causing a blockage in the bowel.
Travelling with Your Colostomy
The colostomy procedure should not hinder you from either travel locally or internationally. You only need to plan as the Colostomy Association has come up with valuable guidelines on traveling with a stoma. Below are some of the tips.
Ensure to carry with you enough Supplies’ change in climate may lead your Colostomy bag to be changed more regularly than usual.
Pack your ostomy supplies in personal hand luggage. This is to ensure you are on the safe side in case your suitcase is misplaced; at least you will have your ostomy supplies.
Always carry bottled water. The water will keep you hydrated and help you keep away from stomach upset.
