Understanding Stoma Complications: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that connects to the internal organ that was affected during ostomy surgery. The most common types of stomas are ileostomy, colostomy, and urostomy. Stoma creation is a common procedure performed by surgeons as part of the treatment for various diseases. Proper stoma management is crucial to ensure a healthy and functional stoma.

Types of Stoma

1. Ileostomy: An ileostomy is a type of stoma that connects the small intestine to the abdominal wall. It is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

2. Colostomy: A colostomy is a type of stoma that connects the large intestine to the abdominal wall. It is commonly used to treat diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, and radiation injury.

3. Urostomy: A urostomy is a type of stoma that connects the urinary tract to the abdominal wall. It is commonly used to treat bladder cancer and kidney stones.

4. Other Types of Stoma: Other types of stomas include loop colostomy, end colostomy, and loop ileostomy.

When is Stoma Required?

Stoma creation is required when a patient has a disease or condition that affects the digestive or urinary system. The most common indications for stoma creation include colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ischemic colitis, radiation injury, and bladder cancer.

Stoma Management

1. Pre-Operative Care: Pre-operative care includes preparing the patient for surgery, including stopping certain medications and following a specific diet.

2. Post-Operative Care: Post-operative care includes managing the stoma, including changing the stoma bag and managing any complications that may arise.

3. Stoma Care Techniques: Stoma care techniques include changing the stoma bag, managing stoma output, and managing any complications that may arise.

4. Managing Stoma Complications: Managing stoma complications includes identifying and treating any complications that may arise, such as stoma necrosis, retraction, and prolapse.

Stoma Complications:

Early Complications: Early complications include stoma necrosis, retraction, and prolapse.

Late Complications: Late complications include parastomal hernia, stoma stenosis, and stoma obstruction.

Proper stoma management is crucial to ensure a healthy and functional stoma. This includes pre-operative care, post-operative care, stoma care techniques, and managing stoma complications. By understanding the types of stoma, indications for stoma creation, and stoma management techniques, patients can better manage their stoma and improve their quality of life.