A stoma is a surgical opening in the abdomen’s skin to evacuate digestive or urinary waste from the body. Oftentimes, people requiring stoma surgery have extensive gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, cancer, and other conditions that make passing stool or urine difficult or impossible.
Two common stoma procedures performed worldwide are Colostomy and Ileostomy. In colostomy, the large intestine’s upper portion is disconnected, and the remaining portion is diverted outside the skin surface to the abdomen via a stoma opening. For ileostomy, the small intestine is modified to create a surgical opening to divert waste products; their consistency is typically thinner than stool.
Understanding the basics of stoma care is significant to ensure the patient’s comfort and convenience. Ostomy care is often needed to avoid the risk of infections, skin irritation, and different associated conditions. Patients’ skin in contact with their waste should always be protected with different kinds of stoma products like bags and dressings. Laxative and scheduling bowel movements can help in maintaining normal bowel frequency and emptying of the pouch.
A person living with a stoma may experience different lifestyle changes, both physical and emotional. Individuals undergo a grieving process that is not acknowledged globally as it should be. The fear of being different, stigma, self-confidence, and privacy issues can make it challenging to have healthy relationships with family and friends, self-image, and intimacy within personal relationships.
In conclusion, having a stoma is not the end of life for individuals. It is a medical surrogacy used to manage several medical complications. Understanding the basics of stoma and its care can make life as normal as possible for patients. Patient support groups, counselling, and trained medical professionals can help educate and support patients on their life journey.