Colostomy can be carried out because of various reasons. It can be carried out to help with issues related to the lower bowel. However, some of these problems can be solved through temporary colostomies for keeping stool out of the colon. A colostomy is a process whereby one end of the colon is brought out of the abdominal walls through an incision to create a stoma. A pouch is attached to the stoma to help collect feces. Colostomies are temporary, especially in kids who are born with defects. In cases when the colon is diseased, especially when one has colon cancer, permanent colostomies are carried out, and the colon can be removed. Other conditions that may lead to permanent colostomy include injuries, a blockage, an inflammatory bowel illness known as Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, cancerous colonic polyps, diverticulitis, among others. What are the risk factors of colostomy? Colostomy comes with its risks because it is a major surgery like any other surgery. The risks may not be the same from one person to the other. One of the risks you might encounter is colostomy blockage. Your doctor will take you through all the risks you might experience and any possible complications as well. Some people may encounter internal bleeding, infections, issues from the scar, among other risks. How do you get ready for a colostomy? Blood samples are first taken to carry out a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. Before the surgery, you must inform your doctor if you have had any surgeries before and the medication you might be taking. Mention supplements and over-the-counter medications. You will also be asked not to eat anything before the surgery for at least 12 hours. However, your doctor may also give you an enema or a laxative to help clean your bowels the night before the colostomy. You have to be ready to spend three to seven days in the hospital after the surgery. Therefore, you should pack everything you need, including planning how your children and your pets will be taken care of when you are away. How is colostomy carried out? Once you are ready for the procedure, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown. The nurse will need to plan an IV or intravenous access in your arm to help them administer medications and fluids easily. Anesthesia will also be given through the IV until you fall into a deep and painless sleep. Once you are asleep, you will be transferred to the operating room. The surgeons will clean you and prepare you then make an opening in your abdomen. The incision might be large or in a sequence of small openings. Colostomy requires the use of small tools and a camera put into an incision to guide the doctor through the process. The doctor will then identify a suitable location for the stomata. The intestines will be cut to come through the abdominal wall. The doctor will then insert a ring on the walls of your abdomen. The purpose of the ring is to hold the intestine in place. The wound will be stitched, and you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored to ensure you are awake. After a colostomy, you will be taught how to use the colostomy bags properly. You will need to go for a check-up for monitoring.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |