Understanding Colostomy Surgery

Continuing from our overview of colostomies, it's important to understand what happens during colostomy surgery and how to prepare for it. Knowing the risks and steps involved in the procedure can help patients and their families feel more confident and prepared for life after surgery.

What Happens During Colostomy Surgery?

Colostomy surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and feels no pain. Depending on the underlying condition, the surgery can be performed in two ways:

1. Open Surgery: A single large incision is made in the abdomen to access the colon and create the stoma.

2. Laparoscopic Surgery: A less invasive technique where several small incisions are made, and the surgeon uses a camera and specialized tools to perform the operation.

Regardless of the method, the key steps include:

• Creating the Stoma: A part of the colon is brought through an incision in the abdomen and attached to the skin, creating the stoma.
• Attaching the Colostomy Bag: A colostomy bag is placed over the stoma to collect waste.

Patients may be more likely to undergo one type of surgery based on their medical condition, age, and overall health. Recovery tends to be quicker with laparoscopic surgery due to the smaller incisions.

Risks of the Procedure

While colostomy surgery is generally safe, it carries some risks, as with any major surgery. These include:

• Anesthesia-related risks: Breathing problems and allergic reactions to medications.
• Surgical risks:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to nearby organs, such as the bladder or small intestine

Post-surgery risks also include:

• Narrowing of the stoma: The stoma may become too tight, causing difficulty in passing waste.
• Intestinal blockage: Scar tissue can form and obstruct the intestine.
• Hernia development: A bulge near the stoma due to weakened abdominal muscles.
• Skin irritation: The skin around the stoma can become sore or infected if not properly cared for.

How to Prepare for Colostomy Surgery

If your colostomy surgery is not an emergency, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions to follow. Here’s what to expect:

1. Pre-Surgery Consultation:

   • Meet with your healthcare provider to discuss the procedure and possible outcomes. You’ll also meet with an ostomy nurse, who is specially trained to help colostomy patients manage their stomas.
   • Consider speaking with an ostomy visitor or support group to gain insight into living with a colostomy. The United Ostomy Associations of America or the American Cancer Society can connect you with these resources.

2. Pre-Surgery Instructions:

   • Diet: You may need to follow a specific diet before the procedure to ensure your bowel is clean.
   • Medications: You may be asked to stop certain medications that could increase bleeding risks or interfere with the surgery.

Following your provider's instructions closely ensures that your body is as prepared as possible for surgery and can help reduce complications.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Once the surgery is completed, your hospital stay will last a few days, during which time your healthcare team will monitor your recovery. Here's what to expect:

• Stoma Management: You will receive training on how to care for the stoma, including how to change and clean the colostomy bag, maintain proper skin care around the stoma, and monitor for any signs of infection.

• Wound Care: Both the stoma and the surgical incision need careful attention to prevent infection. You’ll be shown how to clean and protect these areas during your recovery period.

• Dietary Adjustments: Your diet may need to be modified in the short term to support healing. Soft foods and small meals are often recommended until your bowel function stabilizes.

• Emotional Support: Coping with a colostomy is not just physical. Emotional and psychological adjustment can take time. Seeking support from professionals, family, and peer groups can help in navigating these challenges.

In our next article, we will explore the different types of colostomies, where they are located in the colon, and how these distinctions impact daily life. We’ll also cover the differences between an ileostomy and a colostomy, helping patients understand the variety of procedures used for different medical conditions. Stay connected for more insights into colostomy care and management.