Important Facts To Know About Stoma Before Your Surgical Procedure

By Karyn Shields


Certain illnesses and surgeries require doctors to create surgical openings for rerouting digestive waste as part of their treatments. These openings are commonly known as stoma. They can be both temporary or permanent.

Doctors can create one of three types of openings. Among these are ileostomies, urostomies and colostomies. Your illness and the way that this affects your digestive processes will determine which procedure is best suited to your needs. Whether your digestive waste will be rerouted in a permanent or temporary fashion is also a deciding factor.

Once this incision is complete, you will be fitted with innovative equipment for the collection and monitoring of waste. This typically comes in the form of a small, discreet pouch. Once the pouch is filled, an interior liner can be removed and replaced so that the waste can be discarded. These units are very efficient at containing liquids, solids and odors.

Your selection in clothing can also remain the same. Depending upon the size and positioning of the device, however, it may be necessary to look for clothes that are more flexible at the waist. This will ensure optimal levels of comfort and convenience.

The site of this incision will probably look very much like the soft tissues at the interior of your mouth. There may be some redness and soreness, as is common to most surgical sites. If there is swelling or if the region is hot or sensitive to the touch, however, this is a sign of infection and should be reported to your doctor right away.

There are a number of questions that people often have about these procedures, especially as they pertain to their ability to continue living normal lives. One of the greatest concerns is whether or not collection bags will smell. It is important to note that these products are designed with the specific intention of containing or minimizing foul odors.

Many people are able to continue maintaining normal diets after these procedures have been performed. There are rarely foods that you will have to eliminate from your diet as the result of this transition. There could be, however, dietary changes that must be made for your overall wellness or that reflect the needs that have arisen due to a chronic illness.

People are also able to enjoy regular exercise with these devices. Your doctor should give you clearance before you become active again. Your device is going to be watertight and thus, swimming is something that you can still enjoy. Other activities such as biking, running and jogging will be possible as well.

Those who are recovering from these surgeries should attempt to take it slow rather than trying to throw themselves headlong into a range of challenging activities. It is important to gradually build up endurance and strength. By pacing yourself, you will find that you are soon able to engage in many of the recreational and sports activities that you once enjoyed, with minimal interference from your device.




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