Colostomy
The term Colostomy, is surgery to remove all or part of the colon. In many cases it can dramatically improve a person’s quality-of-life, especially in cases of serious disease.
It is used to treat many conditions including colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, intestinal obstruction and diverticulitis. The removal of the colon is also used as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Colostomy is a surgical procedure where the large intestine / colon is cut and brought through the abdominal wall. The colostomy can be created from any part of the colon depending upon the condition and reason for colostomy surgery, but most commonly is created from the descending colon and will be on the left side of the abdomen, this type of colostomy produces a stool that is semi to well-formed because it has passed through the ascending and transverse colon.
The other types of Colostomy are Ascending and Transverse but are less common, both of which produce a stool that is more liquid and contains digestive enzymes that can irritate the skin.
Colostomies can be both Temporary or Permanent depending upon the reason behind the surgery.
A temporary colostomy may be used when the part of the colon (normally the lower section) needs time to heal after trauma or surgery. After the colon is healed, the colostomy can be reversed, returning the bowel function to normal. In the reversal surgery the two ends of the colon are reconnected and the stoma area in the abdomen is closed.
A permanent colostomy is necessary for some conditions, including about 15% of rectal cancer cases, this surgery is commonly used when the rectum needs to be removed because of disease or cancer, most of the colon would normally be removed, and the remaining portion used to create a stoma.
Ileostomy
The term Ileostomy is a surgical procedure which usually involves removing the whole of the large intestine or colon and in some cases the rectum, In many cases it can dramatically improve a person’s quality-of-life, especially in cases of serious illness.
It is used to treat many conditions including Ulcerative Colitis, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer.
The Ileostomy may be temporary or permanent depending on the reason behind the operation. The end of the small intestine or ileum is cut and brought through the surface of the abdomen creating a stoma; this would normally be on the right hand side of the abdomen.
“Panproctocolectomy” – is the removal of the entire colon, rectum and anal canal. This type of stoma is permanent.
“Total Colectomy” – is the removal of the entire colon, the rectum is left in place. This type of stoma is reversible.
“Anterior resection” – is the removal of the upper part of the rectum, the remaining colon is then sewn onto the remaining rectum.
A loop Ileostomy is usually formed to allow the bowel to heal then reversed at a later date.
A temporary Ileostomy may be used when the part of the colon needs time to heal after trauma or surgery. After a period of time it would then be reversed, and the stoma area in the abdomen is closed.
Urostomy
A Urostomy is a stoma (artificial opening) for the urinary system and is made in cases where long-term drainage of urine through the bladder and urethra is not possible.
It is a surgical procedure which diverts the normal flow of urine from the kidneys and ureters into a surgically created stoma.
The surgeon will isolate a short piece of your small intestine from which he will make a tube “known as an “ileal conduit” the two ureters will be connected into this which will then be brought to the surface of the abdomen as a stoma.
Urine will continue to pass through the stoma; completely bypassing the bladder. In some cases depending upon the reason for the surgery the bladder may be completely removed.
A Urostomy is permanent and not reversible where as some ileostomies and colostomies are reversible.
There are a number of reasons for a Urostomy all of which are connected to a defect or problem with the urinary system which needs to be removed or by- passed. Neurological disorders leading to severe incontinence or bladder cancer may also result in Urostomy surgery.
The flow of urine from a Urostomy is continuous and a Urostomy bag with a tap must be worn and will need emptying several times per day.
The Urostomy bag can be attached by a small pipe at night to a night drainage bag on a stand at the bedside and in some cases a larger leg bag can be used during the day to increase the time between emptying if going out.
