University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

179

Pages:

2
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Intestinal Stomas Definitions • • • Stomas are surgically created openings in the abdominal wall to allow waste to exist the body. They are created connections between the intestines and the abdominal wall. They may be created as a permanent or a temporary conduit to allow faeces to exist the body before it reaches the anus. Purpose of their creation. • • • • It is often needed to divert the faecal stream to the anterior abdominal wall via a stoma. - The effluent is collected in a removable plastic bag attached by an adhesive to the skin. They are useful in the management of multiple medical conditions including severe diseases, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, cancer, severe infections or individuals who are unable to control their bowel motions and as a result have faecal incontinence. A temporary one may be used for people who have just had a bowel surgery and need to rest their bowel to allow it to heal. - When the stoma is no longer needed, it may be reversed with a minor operation. A permanent stoma may be created for long term use for individuals who have a permanent faecal incontinence, such as after: - Injury to the spinal cord - Extensive surgery. Types of stomas • Colostomy • Ileostomy - • Location: created using a part of the colon. Purpose: bypasses the rectum. Placement: typically, on the left side of the abdomen. Indications: used for colon or rectal cancer, injuries or blockages. Location: created using the small intestine. Purpose: bypasses the colon and rectum. Placement: usually on the right side of the abdomen. Indications: common for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or bowel cancer. Urostomy: - Location: pouch made from the small intestine. Purpose: diverts urine outside the body without passing through the bladder. Placement: varies but often on the lower abdomen. Possible complications • • • • • • • • • • Dehydration from excessive loss of fluid from the stoma Bleeding Infection Narrowing of the stoma Obstruction Skin irritation around the stoma from the fluid contents of the bag leaking into the surrounding skin. The formation of a tract between the bowel and another part of the abdominal wall -> fistula. A potion of the bowel protruding through the stoma – hernia Kidney stones Gallstones