Ostomy is a surgical procedure used to create an opening for urine and feces to be released from the body. Colostomy refers to a surgical procedure where a portion of the large intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to carry stool out of the body.
Description
Surgery will result in one of three types of colostomies:
End colostomy. The functioning end of the intestine (the section of bowel that remains connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract) is brought out onto the surface of the abdomen, forming the stoma by cuffing the intestine back on itself and suturing the end to the skin. A stoma is an artificial opening created to the surface of the body. The surface of the stoma is actually the lining of the intestine, usually appearing moist and pink. The distal portion of bowel (now connected only to the rectum) may be removed, or sutured closed and left in the abdomen. An end colostomy is usually a permanent ostomy, resulting from trauma, cancer or another pathological condition.
Double–barrel colostomy. This colsotomy involves the creation of two separate stomas on the abdominal wall. The proximal (nearest) stoma is the functional end that is connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract and will drain stool. The distal stoma, connected to the rectum and also called a mucous fistula, drains small amounts of mucus material. This is most often a temporary colostomy performed to rest an area of bowel, and to be later closed.
Loop colostomy. This colostomy is created by bringing a loop of bowel through an incision in the abdominal wall. The loop is held in place outside the abdomen by a plastic rod slipped beneath it. An incision is made in the bowel to allow the passage of stool through the loop colostomy. The supporting rod is removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery, when healing has occurred that will prevent the loop of bowel from
retracting into the abdomen. A loop colostomy is most often performed for creation of a temporary stoma to divert stool away from an area of intestine that has been blocked or ruptured.
Who Performs the Procedure and Where Is It Performed?
General surgeons and colon and rectal surgeons perform colostomies as inpatient surgeries, under general anesthesia.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
What kinds of preoperative tests will be required?
What drugs will be given for pain after the surgery?
What will I need to do to prepare for surgery?
Is there an enterostomal therapist I can talk to before the surgery?
What will my recovery time be and what restrictions will I have?
Is there an ostomy support group at the hospital that I can attend?
Definition
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings a portion of the large intestine through the abdominal wall to carry feces out of the body.
Purpose
A colostomy is a means to treat various disorders of the large intestine, including cancer, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, ruptured diverticulum, ischemia (compromised blood supply), or traumatic injury. Temporary colostomies are created to divert stool from injured or diseased portions of the large intestine, allowing rest and healing. Permanent colostomies are performed when the distal bowel (at the farthest distance) must be removed or is blocked and inoperable. Although colorectal cancer is the most common indication for a permanent colostomy, only about 10–15% of patients with this diagnosis require a colostomy.
To perform a colostomy, the surgeon enters the abdomen and locates the colon, or large intestine (A). A loop of the colon is pulled through the abdominal incision (B); then the colon is cut to allow the insertion of a catheter (C). The skin and tissues are closed around the new opening, called a stoma (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
Demographics
Estimates of all ostomy surgeries (those involving any opening from the abdomen for the removal of either feces or urine) range from 42,000 to 65,000 each year; about half are temporary. Emergency surgeries for bowel obstruction and/or perforation comprise 10–15% of all colorectal surgeries; a portion of these result in colostomy.
Description
Surgery will result in one of three types of colostomies:
End colostomy. The functioning end of the intestine (the section of bowel that remains connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract) is brought out onto the surface of the abdomen, forming the stoma (artificial opening) by cuffing the intestine back on itself and suturing the end to the skin. The surface of the stoma is actually the lining of the intestine, usually appearing moist and pink. The distal portion of bowel (now connected only to the rectum) may be removed, or sutured closed and left in the abdomen. An end colostomy is usually a permanent ostomy, resulting from trauma, cancer, or another pathological condition.
Double-barrel colostomy. This involves the creation of two separate stomas on the abdominal wall. The proximal (nearest) stoma is the functional end that is connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract and will drain stool; the distal stoma, connected to the rectum and also called a mucous fistula, drains small amounts of mucus material. This is most often a temporary colostomy performed to rest an area of bowel, and to be later closed.
Loop colostomy. This surgery brings a loop of bowel through an incision in the abdominal wall. The loop is held in place outside the abdomen by a plastic rod slipped beneath it. An incision is made in the bowel to allow the passage of stool through the loop colostomy. The supporting rod is removed approximately seven to 10 days after surgery, when healing has occurred that will prevent the loop of bowel from retracting into the abdomen. A loop colostomy is most often performed for creation of a temporary stoma to divert stool away from an area of intestine that has been blocked or ruptured.
Diagnosis/Preparation
A number of diseases and injuries may require a colostomy. Among the diseases are inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Determining whether this surgery is necessary is a decision the physician makes based on a number of factors, including patient history, amount of pain, and the results of tests such as colonoscopy and lower G.I. (gastrointestinal) series. Due to lifestyle impact of the surgery, the decision is made after careful consultation with the patient. However, an immediate decision may be made in emergency situations involving injuries or puncture wounds in the abdomen or intestinal perforations related to diverticulear disease, ulcers, or life-threatening cancer.
As with any surgical procedure, the patient will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure is explained thoroughly. Blood and urine studies, along with various x rays and an electrocardiograph (EKG), may be ordered as the doctor deems necessary. If possible, the patient should visit an enterostomal therapist, who will mark an appropriate place on the abdomen for the stoma and offer preoperative education on ostomy management.
In order to empty and cleanse the bowel, the patient may be placed on a low-residue diet for several days prior to surgery. A liquid diet may be ordered for at least the day before surgery, with nothing by mouth after midnight. A series of enemas and/or oral preparations (GoLytely or Colyte) may be ordered to empty the bowel of stool. Oral anti-infectives (neomycin, erythromycin, or kanamycin sulfate) may be ordered to decrease bacteria in the intestine and help prevent postoperative infection. A nasogastric tube is inserted from the nose to the stomach on the day of surgery or during surgery to remove gastric secretions and prevent nausea and vomiting. A urinary catheter (a thin plastic tube) may also be inserted to keep the bladder empty during surgery, giving more space in the surgical field and decreasing chances of accidental injury.
Aftercare
Postoperative care for the patient with a new colostomy, as with those who have had any major surgery, involves monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature. Breathing tends to be shallow because of the effect of anesthesia and the patient's reluctance to breathe deeply and experience pain that is caused by the abdominal incision. The patient is instructed how to support the operative site during deep breathing and coughing, and given pain medication as necessary. Fluid intake and output is measured, and the operative site is observed for color and amount of wound drainage. The nasogastric tube will remain in place, attached to low, intermittent suction until bowel activity resumes. For the first 24–48 hours after surgery, the colostomy will drain bloody mucus. Fluids and electrolytes are infused intravenously until the patient's diet can gradually be resumed, beginning with liquids. Usually within 72 hours, passage of gas and stool through the stoma begins. Initially, the stool is liquid, gradually thickening as the patient begins to take solid foods. The patient is usually out of bed in eight to 24 hours after surgery and discharged in two to four days.
A colostomy pouch will generally have been placed on the patient's abdomen around the stoma during surgery. During the hospital stay, the patient and his or her caregivers will be educated on how to care for the colostomy. Determination of appropriate pouching supplies and a schedule of how often to change the pouch should be established. Regular assessment and meticulous care of the skin surrounding the stoma is important to maintain an adequate surface on which to attach the pouch. Some patients with colostomies are able to routinely irrigate the stoma, resulting in regulation of bowel function; rather than needing to wear a pouch, these patients may only need a dressing or cap over their stoma. Often, an enterostomal therapist will visit the patient in the hospital or at home after discharge to help the patient with stoma care.
Dietary counseling will be necessary for the patient to maintain normal bowel function and to avoid constipation, impaction, and other discomforts.
Risks
Potential complications of colostomy surgery include:
pulmonary embolism (blood clot or air bubble in the lungs' blood supply)
Psychological complications may result from colostomy surgery because of the fear of the perceived social stigma attached to wearing a colostomy bag. Patients may also be depressed and have feelings of low self-worth because of the change in their lifestyle and their appearance. Some patients may feel ugly and sexually unattractive and may worry that their spouse or significant other will no longer find them appealing. Counseling and education regarding surgery and the inherent lifestyle changes are often necessary.
Normal Results
Complete healing is expected without complications. The period of time required for recovery from the surgery may vary depending on the patient's overall health prior to surgery and the patient's willingness to participate in stoma care. The colostomy patient without other medical complications should be able to resume all daily activities once recovered from the surgery. Adjustments in diet and daily personal care will need to be made.
Morbidity and Mortality Rates
Complications after colostomy surgery can occur. The doctor should be made aware of any of the following problems after surgery:
increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage, or bleeding in the surgical area
increased abdominal pain or swelling, constipation, nausea or vomiting, or black, tarry stools
Stomal complications can also occur. They include:
Death (necrosis) of stomal tissue. Caused by inadequate blood supply, this complication is usually visible 12–24 hours after the operation and may require additional surgery.
Retraction (stoma is flush with the abdomen surface or has moved below it). Caused by insufficient stomal length, this complication may be managed by use of special pouching supplies. Elective revision of the stoma is also an option.
Prolapse (stoma increases length above the surface of the abdomen). Most often this results from an overly large opening in the abdominal wall or inadequate fixation of the bowel to the abdominal wall. Surgical correction is required when blood supply is compromised.
Stenosis (narrowing at the opening of the stoma). Often this is associated with infection around the stoma or scarring. Mild stenosis can be removed under local anesthesia; severe stenosis may require surgery for reshaping the stoma.
Parastomal hernia (bowel causing bulge in the abdominal wall next to the stoma). This occurs due to placement of the stoma where the abdominal wall is weak or an overly large opening in the abdominal wall was made. The use of an ostomy support belt and special pouching supplies may be adequate. If severe, the defect in the abdominal wall should be repaired and the stoma moved to another location.
Mortality rates for colostomy patients vary according to the patient's general health upon admittance to the hospital. Even among higher risk patients, mortality is about 16%. This rate is greatly reduced (between 0.8% and 3.8%) when the colostomy is performed by a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon.
Alternatives
When a colostomy is deemed necessary, there are usually no alternatives to the surgery, though there can be alternatives in the type of surgery involved and adjuvant therapies related to the disease. For example, laparoscopic surgery is being used with many diseases of the intestinal tract, including initial cancers. For this surgery, the colon and rectal surgeon inserts a laparoscope (an instrument that has a tiny video camera attached) through a small incision in the abdomen. Other small incisions are made for the surgeon to insert laparoscopic instruments to use in creating the colostomy. This surgery often results in a shorter stay in the hospital, less postoperative pain, a quicker return to normal activities, and far less scarring. It is not recommended for patients who have had extensive prior abdominal surgery, large tumors, previous cancer, or serious heart problems.
Resources
Books
Doughty, Dorothy. Urinary and Fecal Incontinence. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1991.
Hampton, Beverly, and Ruth Bryant. Ostomies and Continent Diversions. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1992.
Monahan, Frances. Medical-Surgical Nursing. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1998.
Organizations
United Ostomy Association, Inc. (UOA). 19772 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612-2405. (800) 826-0826. http://www.uoa.org.
Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. 2755 Bristol Street, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (714) 476-0268. http://www.wocn.org.
Other
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Ileostomy, Colostomy, and Ileoanal Reservoir Surgery. (February 1, 2000): 1.
Ostomy is a surgical procedure used to create an opening for urine or feces to be released from the body. Colostomy refers to a surgical procedure in which a portion of the large intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to carry stool out of the body.
Purpose
A colostomy is created as a result of treatment for various disorders of the large intestine, including cancer, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, ruptured diverticulum, ischemia (compromised blood supply), or traumatic injury. Temporary colostomies are created to divert stool from injured or diseased portions of the large intestine, allowing rest and healing. These temporary colostomies are removed at a later date, with restoration of normal bowel function. Permanent colostomies are performed when the distal bowel (bowel at the farthest distance) must be removed or is blocked and inoperable. Although colorectal cancer is the most common indication for a permanent colostomy, only about 10–15% of patients with this diagnosis require a colostomy.
Description
Surgery will result in one of three types of colostomies:
End colostomy. The functioning end of the intestine (the section of bowel that remains connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract) is brought out to the surface of the abdomen, forming the stoma by cuffing the intestine back on itself and suturing the end to the skin. A stoma is an artificial opening created to the surface of the body. The surface of the stoma is actually the lining of the intestine, usually appearing moist and pink, and it has no pain sensation. The distal portion of bowel (now connected only to the rectum) may be removed, or sutured closed and left in the abdomen. An end colostomy is usually a permanent ostomy, resulting from trauma, cancer or another pathological condition.
Double–barrel colostomy. This colostomy involves the creation of two separate stomas on the abdominal wall. The proximal (nearest) stoma is the functional end that is connected to the upper gastrointestinal tract and will drain stool. The distal stoma, connected to the rectum and also called a mucous fistula, drains small amounts of mucus material. This is most often a temporary colostomy performed to rest an area of bowel, and to be later closed.
Loop colostomy. This colostomy is created by bringing a loop of bowel through an incision in the abdominal wall. An incision is made in the bowel to allow the passage of stool through the loop colostomy. In the past, a plastic rod was used to hold the loop in place, and this supporting rod was removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery, when healing had occurred. The use of the plastic supporting rod is becoming less common. A loop colostomy is most often performed for creation of a temporary stoma to divert stool away from an area of intestine that has been blocked or ruptured.
Preparation
As with any surgical procedure, the patient will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure is explained thoroughly. Blood and urine studies, along with various x rays and an electrocardiograph (ECG) may be ordered as the doctor deems necessary. If possible, the patient should visit an enterostomal therapist, who will mark an appropriate place on the abdomen for the stoma, and offer pre-operative education on ostomy management.
In order to empty and cleanse the bowel, the patient may be placed on a low-residue diet for several days prior to surgery. A liquid diet may be ordered for at least the day before surgery, with nothing by mouth after midnight. A series of enemas and/or oral preparations (GoLytely or Colyte) may be ordered to empty the bowel of stool. Oral antibiotics (neomycin, erythromycin, or kanamycin sulfate) may be given to decrease bacteria in the intestine and help prevent post-operative infection. A nasogastric tube may be inserted from the nose to the stomach on the day of surgery or during surgery to remove gastric secretions and prevent nausea and vomiting. A urinary catheter (a thin plastic tube) may also be inserted to keep the bladder empty during surgery, giving more space in the surgical field and decreasing chances of accidental injury.
Aftercare
Post-operative care for the patient with a new colostomy involves monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature. Breathing tends to be shallow because of the effect of anesthesia and the patient's reluctance to breathe deeply and experience pain caused by the abdominal incision. The patient is instructed how to support the operative site during deep breathing and coughing, and given pain medication as necessary. Fluid intake and output is measured, and the operative site is observed for color and amount of wound drainage.
Two to three days after the operation, the patient will be able to resume eating. For both open and laparoscopic resections, most patients are discharged from the hospital in five to seven days. Healing may take one to two months.
A colostomy pouch will generally have been placed on the patient's abdomen, around the stoma during surgery. During the hospital stay, the patient and caregivers will be educated about how to care for the colostomy. Determination of appropriate pouching supplies and a schedule of how often to change the pouch should be established. Regular assessment and meticulous care of the skin surrounding the stoma is important to maintain an adequate surface on which to apply the pouch. Some patients with colostomies are able to routinely irrigate the stoma, resulting in regulation of bowel function; rather than needing to wear a pouch, these patients may need only a dressing or cap over their stoma. Often, an enterostomal therapist will visit the patient at home after discharge to help the patient resume normal daily activities.
Risks
Potential complications of colostomy surgery include:
pulmonary embolism (blood clot or air bubble in the lungs' blood supply)
Normal Results
Complete healing is expected without complications. The period of time required for recovery from the surgery varies depending on the patient's overall health prior to surgery. The colostomy patient without other medical complications should be able to resume all daily activities once recovered from the surgery.
Abnormal Results
The doctor should be made aware of any of the following problems after surgery:
increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area
increased abdominal pain or swelling, constipation, nausea or vomiting or black, tarry stools
Stomal complications to be monitored include:
Death (necrosis) of stomal tissue. Caused by inadequate blood supply, this complication is usually visible 12–24 hours after the operation and may require additional surgery.
Retraction (stoma is flush with the abdomen surface or has moved below it). Caused by insufficient stomal length, this complication may be managed by use of special pouching supplies. Elective revision of the stoma is also an option.
Prolapse (stoma increases length above the surface of the abdomen). Most often results from an overly large opening in the abdominal wall or inadequate fixation of the bowel to the abdominal wall. Surgical correction is required when blood supply is compromised.
Stenosis (narrowing at the opening of the stoma). Often associated with infection around the stoma or scarring. Mild stenosis can be removed under local anesthesia. Severe stenosis may require surgery for reshaping the stoma.
Parastomal hernia (bowel causing bulge in the abdominal wall next to the stoma). Usually due to placement of the stoma where the abdominal wall is weak or creation of an overly large opening in the abdominal wall. The use of an ostomy support belt and special pouching supplies may be adequate. If severe, the defect in the abdominal wall should be repaired and the stoma moved to another location.
Resources
Periodicals
Edwards, D. P., et al. "Stoma -related complications are more frequent after transverse colostomy than loop ileostomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial." British Journal of Surgery. 88, no. 3 (March 2001): 360-363.
Whitehead, William E., et al. "Treatment options for Fecal Incontinence." Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 44, no. 1 (January 2001): 131-144.
Organizations
The United Ostomy Association, a self-help organization, provides useful information. 36 Executive Park, Suite 120, Irvine, CA 92714. Phone: (800) 826-0826 or (714) 660-8624. uoa@deltanet.com. .
Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. 2755 Bristol Street, Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (714) 476-0268. .
Surgical creation of an artificial conduit (a stoma) on the abdominal wall for voiding of intestinal contents following surgical removal of much of the colon and/or rectum. See also gastro-intestinal tract.
Surgical formation of an artificial anus by making an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall. It may be done to decompress an obstructed colon, to allow excretion when part of the colon must be removed, or to permit healing of the colon. Colostomy may be temporary or permanent. A sigmoid colostomy, the most common type of permanent colostomy, requires no appliances (though a light pouch is sometimes worn for reassurance) and allows a normal life except for the route of fecal excretion. See alsoostomy.
An artificial opening (stoma) created in the large intestine and brought to the surface of the abdomen for the purpose of evacuating the bowels; also the opening (stoma) so created. Has been used successfully in the treatment of rectal tears in horses.
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, leaving the patient with
an opening on the abdomen called a stoma. This opening
is formed from the end of the large intestine drawn out through the incision and sutured to the skin. After a colostomy, feces leave the patient's body through the stoma, and collect in a pouch attached to the patient's abdomen which is changed when necessary.
Indications
There are many reasons for this procedure: a section of the colon has had to be removed, e.g. due
to colon cancer requiring a total
mesorectal excision, diverticulitis, injury, etc, so that it is no longer possible
for feces to pass out via the anus; or a portion of the colon (or ileum) has been operated upon and needs to be 'rested' until it is healed. In the latter case, the colostomy is
often temporary and is usually reversed at a later date, leaving the patient with a small scar
where the stoma was.
Options
Colostomies are viewed negatively due to the misconception that it is difficult to hide the pouch and the smell of feces, or
to keep the pouch securely attached.[citation needed] However, modern colostomy pouches are well-designed, odor-proof, and allow
stoma patients to continue normal activities. Latex-free tape is available for ensuring a secure
attachment.
Colostomates (people with colostomies) who have ostomies of the sigmoid colon or
descending colon may have the option of irrigation, which allows for the person to not
wear a pouch, but rather just a gauze cap over the stoma. By irrigating, a catheter is placed
inside the stoma, and flushed with water, which allows the feces to come out of the body into an irrigation sleeve. Most
colostomates irrigate once a day or every other day, though this depends on the person, their food intake, and their
health.[citation needed]
Placement of the stoma on the abdomen can occur at any location along the colon, the majority
being on the lower left side near or in the sigmoid colon, other locations include; the
ascending, transverse, and descending sections of the colon.[citation needed] Colostomy surgery that can be planned ahead often has a higher rate of
long-term success and satisfaction than those done in emergency surgery.[citation needed]
Living with a colostomy
People with colostomies must wear an ostomy pouching system to collect
intestinal waste. Ordinarily the pouch must be emptied or changed several times a day depending on the frequency of activity; in
general the further from the anus the ostomy is located the greater the output and more frequent
the need to empty or change the pouch.
Alternatives
In some rare situations it may be possible to opt for an internal colo-anal pouch which eliminates the need for an external
pouch. [citation needed]In place of an external
appliance, an internal ileo-anal pouch is
constructed using a portion of the patient's lower intestine, to act as a new rectum to replace
the removed original.
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