Understanding Colostomy

 
Colostomy
A colostomy is an opening that is made in the gastrointestinal tract (Stomach) during surgery.  The healthy end of the colon is then brought up to the opening in the stomach. This  is secured and allows waste (stools) to exit the body through the opening.  This opening is also known as a 'Stoma.'  The stool will exit through the stoma into a flat changable pouch.
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Reasons for a Colostomy operation.

There are many different reason why a person may need a colostomy, these include:

1. Cancer/ tumor of rectum, anus or lower part of left colon.
2. Crohn's Disease
3. Abnormalities of the spine or cord which has caused paralysis of the rectum and anus.
4. Severe  prolapse of the rectum.
5. Birth defects
6. Removal of the Rectum.



Types of Colostomies.

The type of colostomy is normally determined by whether it is temporary or permanent, as well as it's location.

Temporary colostomy
A temporary colostomy may be needed due to trauma injuries or inflammatory of the bowel and colon.  This type of colostomy allows the diseased part of the colon to heal and rest untill it is ready to cope with the bodies demands.  A temporary colostomy can be in place for a fews weeks to a few years. Once the colon is healed the colostomy will be closed. The bowel and colon will return to its normal state of function.


Permanent Colostomy.
This type of colostomy is normally needed when the elimination of waste products cannot be possible due to the bowel, colon or anus being unable to function. This could be down to tumors, cancer or birth defects.Therefore permanent colostomies normally involves removing part of the colon.

Ascending Colostomy

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Ascending colostomy is an opening in the ascending colon. The stoma will be located on the right hand side of the stomach. When the colostomy is located in the ascending colon the stool drained from the stoma will be in liquid form.

Transverse Colostomy

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Transverse colostomy is an opening in the Transverse colon. The stoma will be located in the upper middle section of the stomach. The stool that is drained from the stoma in the transverse colon, will be loose or mushy, and may have an unpleasent smell due to liquid being reabsorbed.

Descending Colostomy

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Descending colostomy is an opening in the Descending colon. The stoma will be located in the lower left hand side of the stomach. The stool which is drained from the stoma in the descending colon, will be solid or firm.

Sigmoidostomy Colostomy

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Signoidostomy colostomy is an opening in the sigmoid colon. The stoma will be located in the lower  middle part of the stomach. The stool that is drained from the stoma will be of normal consistency. Discharge may also be secreted from the stoma.