In Western countries, colostomy surgery is becoming a more frequent choice for many patients. It's not just about prolonging life but also about reclaiming dignity. Today, we share the story of Lisa, a 26-year-old woman who bravely embraced change in the face of illness and hopes her experience will help others facing similar challenges.
Diagnosis: The Life-Changing Diagnosis
Lisa, an ordinary woman from New York, had her life drastically altered at 26 by an unexpected illness. Initially, she experienced persistent abdominal pain, dismissing it as a common gastrointestinal issue. It wasn't until the pain persisted for a month that she decided to undergo a thorough medical examination.
The pathology results revealed multiple tubular adenomas—over 100 tumors in her intestines, some of which had turned malignant. The doctors informed her that this condition was primarily hereditary and that her disease had reached an advanced stage.
Surgery: Life-Saving and Removal
To save her life, Lisa had to undergo a series of surgeries and chemotherapy. The doctors told her that her anus and part of her colon needed to be removed, and to continue living, she would require colostomy surgery. After the surgery, she would rely on a colostomy bag for waste elimination, a “plastic bag” that would accompany her for the rest of her life.
Lisa recalls, "When the doctors told me I needed colostomy surgery, my first reaction was fear. Having a hole in my stomach and using a bag to collect waste was a life I couldn't accept." However, for her family and her future, she bravely accepted this reality.
Medical Insight: Understanding Colostomy Surgery
In Western countries, patients like Lisa, who must undergo colostomy surgery due to illness, are not uncommon. Most of these patients require partial removal of their intestines and anus due to conditions like colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.
The purpose of colostomy surgery is to create an opening in the patient's abdomen, where a portion of the intestine is brought to the surface to form a stoma. Through this stoma, patients can eliminate waste directly into an ostomy bag designed for collection. This surgery significantly alters the patient's lifestyle but is often the only way to prolong life.
Factors Influencing Colostomy Surgery
The success of colostomy surgery is closely related to factors like tumor size, location, and extent of invasion. Here are some important factors influencing surgical decisions:
- Tumor Proximity to the Anus: The distance of the tumor from the anus is crucial in determining whether the anus can be preserved. If the tumor is located in the upper or middle rectum, there is a higher chance of preserving the anus. However, if the tumor is in the lower rectum, the possibility decreases significantly.
- Tumor Size and Invasion Depth: The size and extent of tumor invasion also affect the surgical approach. If the tumor is too large or has invaded surrounding organs, the risk of sphincter-preserving surgery increases. In such cases, doctors typically recommend colostomy surgery to ensure the patient's safety.
- Blood Supply to the Anastomosis: During surgery, after removing the diseased part of the intestine, doctors need to reconnect the remaining intestines to form an anastomosis. The healing of the anastomosis requires adequate blood supply. If the blood supply is poor, the anastomosis may not heal, leading to surgical failure. This is also a key factor in deciding whether colostomy surgery is necessary.
Lisa's Journey
Lisa reflects on her post-surgery life: "After the surgery, I had to accept living with a colostomy bag every day. Although it was initially difficult, I knew that for my family and myself, I had to adapt to this 'new friend.'"
With the help of doctors and other stoma care patients, Lisa gradually learned how to manage and care for her stoma. She also discovered that choosing the right colostomy bag, along with attention to diet and skin care, could greatly improve her quality of life. Lisa emphasizes, "Life has changed, but I can still control my destiny."
Conclusion: Prevention is Better than Cure
Lisa's story not only reveals the tough journey of colostomy patients but also reminds us of the priceless value of health. Regular check-ups are vital in preventing diseases like colorectal cancer. When any abnormal changes are noticed in the body, seeking medical advice promptly is crucial. Through a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and early screening, we can significantly reduce the risk of illness. Early detection and prevention are the best ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Please stay tuned to HEAGI as we share more real stories and essential stoma care knowledge.
