A colostomy is a surgery that creates an opening in the colon or large intestine. The colostomy connects to a bag, which collects waste until it’s emptied. Colostomies are sometimes needed because of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel obstruction, cancer, or injury. This article will cover what colostomy surgery entails and how you can cope with living with one!
What is colostomy surgery?
The colorectal surgeon will first make several incisions on the abdomen to create access into the abdominal cavity for them to then move towards creating a stoma (the opening at your stomach). They may use an endoscope, which is like a camera with small, flexible tube-like tools attached that can be used during colorectal procedures. Using these cameras and instruments greatly helps surgeons visualize their work area more precisely. The colorectal surgeon will cauterize (sew shut) blood vessels as needed before they close up any open spaces in the colon using absorbable sutures or staples before closing off any openings created by this process using non -absorbable sutures.
What is recovery like?
Most colostomy surgery patients go home within one to three days after the surgery is performed. Recovery times vary from individual to individual but are typically pretty short. You will likely experience some pain and discomfort following your surgery, which can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor. It’s important that you follow all post-operative instructions carefully in order to ensure a speedy and successful recovery. You will likely have a colostomy bag for about four to six weeks following surgery while your body heals. It is important to keep the area around the stoma clean and dry during this time. Bathing or showering may be difficult, so ask someone to help you with this until you’re feeling up to it.
How to feel better?
It’s important not to become discouraged during this process as many recovering colostomies may experience some setbacks due to infection, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Call your colostomy surgeon if you experience pain, fever, or other symptoms.
What to avoid during recovery?
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least a month following surgery. You should also avoid sexual intercourse until given the green light by your colostomy surgeon, as it can put added pressure on the stitches in some cases. It’s essential to take it slow when getting back into normal bowel movements while recovering from colostomy surgery, so don’t push yourself too hard! In addition, do not drink alcoholic beverages while still under anesthesia or immediately after that either, as this may pose different health risks such as vomiting and nausea, which could lead to complications with healing post-op.
To conclude, colostomy surgery is a life-altering experience, and most colostomies feel that it has made them live more at the moment. Embrace your colostomy, don’t fear it!