الجمعة، 3 أغسطس 2012

Colostomy - What Is That Procedure?

Colostomy is a surgical procedure done to create an artificial opening in the abdominal wall. In this process, the end of colon (large intestine) is pulled through the opening to form a stoma. A pouch is then placed on top of stoma to collect waste products eliminated from the body. In certain cases, the colon gets damaged, obstructed or affected by diseases. Colostomy is recommended if the person has some severe problems with an area of the large intestine.

A loop colostomy involves temporary procedure in which a loop of colon is pulled to the abdominal skin to create a stoma with two openings. In other type of colostomy which is named end colostomy, the colon is pulled out into the abdominal skin surface to form a stoma with single opening. This is a permanent procedure.

Colostomy is done in two ways namely laparotomy (open operation) and laparoscopy (Keyhole operation). Keyhole operation is a favorable choice as the patient can recover quickly and the risks involved are also reduced. Colostomy is done with general anaesthesia and hence it may cause some problems with breathing or reactions to medicines. Other complications related to the surgery are bleeding, injury to nearby organs, infection, blockage or prolapse of stoma, skin irritation and opening of surgical wound.

Colostomy surgery is performed mainly on patients suffering from bowel cancer. Sometimes part of colon is removed and temporary stoma is created. Once the colon is cured, it is then joined again to remove the colostomy. However, permanent colostomy is recommended if rectum is removed completely. Another condition involving colostomy is diverticulitis. Small pouches seen in the wall of the colon get infected and swollen to cause high temperature, vomiting and stomach pain.

Temporary colostomy is suggested to cure diverticulitis by removing the affected part of the colon. Swelling of digestive system known as Crohn's disease is another reason to do temporary or permanent colostomy. Bowel obstruction due to constipation, cancer and hernia may also require colostomy. Colostomy is the last treatment for bowel incontinence, a condition in which person cannot control the bowel movements. Moreover, colostomy is performed if the part of the colon is severely injured.

Three to seven days of hospital stay is recommended after the surgery. Before leaving the hospital, the physician will explain about diet and how to take care of the colostomy. It is essential to follow every instruction carefully to avoid potential complications. Sometimes, it may be challenging to adjust a life after performing a colostomy. But the patient may get used to it over time and look forward to normal day to day activities without hesitation.

Click here to read more about colostomy and its surgical procedure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Thomson

ليست هناك تعليقات:

إرسال تعليق