Stomas are surgical openings created by a medical professional in order to divert bodily waste out of the body. This can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as in cases where the colon or rectum has been removed or is not functioning as it should. There are three main types of stomas: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy.
Colostomy is the most common type of stoma, created when a part of the colon is removed and the remaining part is rerouted through the abdomen. The resulting stoma is usually located on the left side of the abdomen. This type of stoma is typically temporary, and can often be reversed after a period of time.
Ileostomy is similar to colostomy, but involves rerouting the small intestine instead of the colon. This results in a stoma located in the lower right abdomen. Because the small intestine is more active than the colon, managing an ileostomy can be more challenging in terms of maintaining a consistent output.
Urostomy is a stoma created to reroute urinary waste out of the body. This is typically necessary in cases where the bladder is not functioning as it should, and can result in a stoma located in various places on the abdomen, depending on the surgeon’s preference.
Managing a stoma can be a challenging experience, but with the right information and support, it is entirely possible to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. It is important to work closely with medical professionals to ensure proper care of the stoma, including regular cleaning and changing of the stoma bag. Additionally, a proper diet and hydration routine can greatly impact stoma function.
In conclusion, understanding stomas can be a daunting task, but with the right information and resources, it is entirely possible to live a happy and fulfilling life with a stoma. If you or a loved one is facing a stoma surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to medical professionals for guidance and support.