Colostomy
1078723
224751684
2008-07-10T07:27:49Z
68.188.103.19
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A '''colostomy''' is a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] onto the [[anterior abdominal wall]], leaving the patient with an opening on the [[abdomen]] called a [[Stoma (medicine)|stoma]]. In a colostomy, the stoma is formed from the end of the [[large intestine]], which is drawn out through the [[incision]] and [[suture]]d to the skin. After a colostomy, [[feces]] leave the patient's body through the abdomen. A colostomy may be permanent or temporary, depending on the reasons for its use.
== Indications ==
There are many reasons for this procedure. Some common reasons are:
*A [http://www.pedisurg.com/ImagesPtEduc/colostomy.gif section] of the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] has been 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]].
*A portion of the colon (or [[ileum]]) has been operated upon and needs to be 'rested' until it is healed. In this case, the colostomy is often temporary and is usually reversed at a later date, leaving the patient with a small [[scar]] in place of the stoma. Children undergoing surgery for extensive [[pelvic tumor]]s commonly are given a colostomy in preparation for surgery to remove the tumor, followed by reversal of the colostomy.
== Options ==
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 colon|ascending]], [[transverse colon|transverse]], and [[descending colon|descending]] sections of the colon.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
Colostomy surgery that can be planned ahead often has a higher rate of long-term success than those done in emergency surgery.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
=== Colostomy with irrigation ===
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, and to schedule irrigation for times that are convenient. To irrigate, 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.{{Fact|date=July 2007}}
=== Colostomy without irrigation ===
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.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} 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.
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. {{Fact|date=July 2007}} In place of an external [[Prosthesis|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.
== See also ==
* [[Ileostomy]]
== External links ==
* [http://www.uoaa.org/ United Ostomy Associations of America]
* [http://stomastomata.com/ colostomy surgery]
* [http://www.poopreport.com/Consumer/life_with_ostomy.html An honest and humorous description of life after a colostomy]
* [http://www.ostomyland.com/index.html Ostomyland – Interactive Ostomy community, covering Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy]
* [http://www.ostomysupport.info/index.html Living with a Colostomy – Informational sister site to ostomyland.com. Detailed Colostomy lifestyle guide covering before, during and after the op]
* [http://www.my-colostomy.com My colostomy story and some colostomy pictures]
*[http://www.c3life.com/ C3Life.com - Your Ostomy Community Connection Center ]
{{Digestive system surgical procedures}}
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Surgical procedures]]
[[ar:فغر القولون]]
[[el:Κολοστομία]]
[[fr:Colostomie]]
[[nl:Colostomie]]
[[no:Kolostomi]]
[[pl:Kolostomia]]
[[pt:Colostomia]]
[[sv:Kolostomi]]