Colostomy
15Pages

A practical guide to stoma care

Contents The content of this brochure was originally developed in the UK by SecuriCare ltd who are specialist stoma care and continence nurses, providing patient care in hospitals, the community and via their friendly home delivery and support service for ordering medical supplies. Not all products mentioned in this brochure will be available in all markets, please check with your supplier. The information presented in this brochure is for general use only and is not intended for people living with any medical conditions who are seeking personal medical advice; it is not a substitute...

How the digestive system normally works It is a worrying time when you learn that you need to undergo major surgery. It can be particularly traumatic when you learn that as a result of surgery your bodily functions will not be the same – that you will have a ‘colostomy’ and will not be able to pass motions in the normal way but will wear a ‘pouch’ on your abdomen. Digestion begins in the mouth where the food is chewed. Swallowed food passes down the oesophagus 1 into the stomach. This booklet is intended to ‘fill in’ on some of the information you may have been unable to take in at the time...

What is a colostomy? There are three types of stoma procedures: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Sometimes part of the rectum © and/ or colon © has to be removed or temporarily bypassed. This means that faeces can no longer leave the body via the anus © in the usual way. The surgeon therefore needs to create a new outlet for faeces to be passed and this is done by making an opening onto the abdomen at the front of the body. This opening is called a colostomy (£ . A colostomy may be sited at one of several places in the colon - usually on the left hand side. 1 Oesophagus 2 Small intestine...

Before your operation Why are colostomies carried out? Like any other major surgery a colostomy is not undertaken lightly and doctors will only recommend it where absolutely necessary. Permanent colostomy There are many reasons why surgery may have to be carried out and a permanent colostomy created. These include obstructions or growths of some kind in the colon or rectum, accidental injury, and occasionally severe cases of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. Sometimes, patients will have had little idea that anything was seriously wrong because their condition caused only...

After your operation You may be in hospital for somewhere between five to ten days. The stoma care nurse will teach you how to change pouches, how to measure the stoma to see that the aperture of the stoma pouch is correct and how to care for your stoma generally. Your stoma care nurse will also fit you with a more discreet type of pouch, after discussing with you what types of pouches are available. When you first come round you will find there are various tubes attached to you and you may feel some weakness or discomfort. This is quite normal after any operation. All the tubes and drains...

Stoma pouches When you return home Your stoma care nurse will be able to show you a selection of pouches and accessories available and will advise you on their use. Support is available from your stoma care nurse and/or community nurse. The stoma care nurse can be contacted by phone, and many hold regular stoma clinics. There are many support groups which are very helpful and supportive. How to obtain stoma care supplies To obtain stoma care supplies and information about the wide range of stoma care pouches and accessories available to you please contact your local distributor. Visit:...

Stoma pouches Stoma pouches The type of self adhesive flange and precise means of attaching the pouch vary with different types and makes, so it is worth experimenting to find one that suits you, your skin and your way of life. All of the Welland pouches, for example, are affixed with HyperFlex® hydrocolloid. HyperFlex® hydrocolloid is extremely conformable to your body shape, and therefore very secure. This helps to avoid soreness around the stoma. There is also a choice in the size of pouches available. The material the pouches are made from also varies. The most modern ones are very...

Stoma pouches Protecting your skin Aperture sizes Stoma care accessories The size of a stoma varies in diameter and stoma pouches are available with different sized apertures or holes. Welland pouches come with a measuring card as part of the pouch box lid. Find the correct sized measuring ring which fits comfortably and snugly round the stoma, without touching it or cutting in. If the stoma is irregularly shaped, it is best to cut your own pattern to fit, using the measuring card as a basis, or using pouches with printed cutting guides. The importance of cleaning carefully and gently and...

Changing a stoma pouch Colostomy pouches may be changed as often as necessary, usually after a motion has been passed. With a one-piece pouch, the whole pouch is replaced. If a two-piece appliance is used, the pouch is changed for a new one as often as required and the flange is usually replaced once or twice a week. (If you use drainable pouches, the pouches may be emptied when necessary and the routine below followed when a pouch change is required. Make sure when applying a new drainable pouch that the bottom of it is securely fastened). Cleaning the stoma area Clean gently around the...

Once you have recovered from your operation and are getting back to normal, having a colostomy needn’t restrict you in any way. You can do what you like, wear what you like, go back to work and generally live your usual life. Other people will not be aware, unless you tell them, that you have a colostomy. Settling down Do not be surprised if your stoma is active frequently in the early days. It will soon settle down to a fairly regular routine. This is helped by eating sensibly and regularly. Food There is no need to be on a special diet or be restricted in any way just because you have a...