Colostomy and Ileostomy Procedure and Aftercare

When a person suffers from an illness that requires them to have part of the colon surgically removed, their body has to be given an alternative to removing waste that would have otherwise traveled through their colon. 

This is normally corrected with a colostomy or ileostomy. These are surgeries that create a hole along the abdomen wall that works to allow waste to be removed from the body. This exit point is referred to as the stoma. 

Between the two procedures, a colostomy is performed to connect the colon to the wall of the abdomen, while an ileostomy is performed to connect the small intestine or ileum to the abdominal wall. 

This procedure can be temporary or permanent and depends on the level of the injury to the bowel. In cases where it is temporary, the procedure is performed to allow the bowel to recover from injuries like stab wounds, infections or inflammation. In such cases it is expected that the bowel will make a full recovery, making the procedure temporary. 

There are a number of documented conditions that may require a colostomy or ileostomy. These are conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, blocked bowel, bowel cancer, bowel inflammation, diverticulitis, bowel infections, ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. 

Procedure

Before undergoing any of the two procedures, your Doctor will often take the time to discuss any concerns you might have and answer any questions such as hygiene, body image and sexual activity. Your Doctor will also take a look at your medical history, examine any medications you are taking such as over-the-counter-drugs, herbals, vitamins or minerals and will discuss the risks, complications and possible side-effects of the operation to help you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. 

Once you complete your consultation. You will be prepared for the surgery. The colostomy and ileostomy procedures are very similar and serve the same function, therefore the surgical procedures are the same. 

You might be asked to take on a liquid diet ahead of your procedure to help with cleansing and antibiotic medications. Once in the OR, a general anaesthetic will be administered and your Surgeon will open the agreed upon marked point on your abdomen, which is commonly located on the lower right side of the abdomen and pull out the healthy portion of your intestine and sew it to the stoma(opening). 

Then a clean plastic bag will be attached to the stoma to collect waste and the incision will be closed with stitches. During this time, the unhealthy part of your bowel will be removed. 

After Care

Following the procedure, you will be given intravenous infusions to help you grow accustomed to the process of having a stoma. During this time, a small tube might be inserted into your stomach which will remove any excess that would’ve otherwise gone to your intestines to help your body recuperate. 

You will be taught how to properly dress your wound and keep it clean to avoid infection and your care team will teach you how to change your bag. This process takes close to a week but recovery can take over three weeks, so prepare to give yourself a stress free time to ensure you gain your health and confidence back.