What you need to know about Colostomy Procedure
Contents
- 1 What you need to know about Colostomy Procedure
- 2 What Does the Procedure Involve?
- 3 How Long Should You Stay at the Destination?
- 4 What’s the Recovery Time Like?
- 5 What Aftercare Should You Consider?
- 6 What is the Success Rate for Colostomy Procedure?
- 7 Are there Alternatives to the Colostomy Procedure?
- 8 What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?
Colostomy refers to a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the large intestine (colon) to let waste leave your body. The procedure is performed on people with lower bowel problems, such as blockage, injury, colorectal cancer, colonic polyps, and colorectal cancer. Colostomy can be permanent or temporary.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
A colostomy is performed under general anesthetic. Your surgeon will bring one end of the large intestine through the abdominal wall. Then, a ring will be surgically implanted into the abdominal wall to hold the end of the intestine in place. The final step is closing the wound with stitches.
How Long Should You Stay at the Destination?
Some people will need to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 10 days after a colostomy. After you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to attend hospital check-ups and for the stitches to be removed, therefore, plan to stay in the local area for at least 14 days.
What’s the Recovery Time Like?
After a colostomy, you must avoid any strenuous activities for around four to six weeks. Everyone’s recovery time is different, but some people can go back to work after four weeks.
What Aftercare Should You Consider?
Living with colostomy requires some lifestyle adjustments, such as following a well-balanced diet and monitoring your medications. Your surgeon will teach you how to use colostomy bags correctly so you can return to the activities you enjoyed before the surgery, such as exercise, work, and social activities. You should have follow-up appointments with your local doctor to check on your condition as well as the colostomy.
What is the Success Rate for Colostomy Procedure?
Colostomy has a high success rate of over 84%, especially when the surgery is planned. The risks and side effects that you need to be aware of include a blockage of the colostomy, damage to other organs, an infection, a hernia, internal bleeding, a wound breaking open, and problems with scar tissue.
Are there Alternatives to the Colostomy Procedure?
If a colostomy is not an option for you, there are some alternatives you can consider. The alternatives include primary resection and internal anastomosis.
What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?
Before a colostomy, you may have some disease or at risk of cancer. The colostomy procedure will treat your condition. After a colostomy, you need to wear a colostomy bag, which is where your feces will collect. However, it is secure and discreet so that it does not interfere with your daily life.
For an in-depth analysis of a Colostomy procedure, watch this short video
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