What Happens During Colostomy?
The surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia. The procedure may be undertaken by making one big incision or several small incisions. It may be an open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. As discussed before, the type of surgery that will be required depends on the part of the colon that needs to be operated on – sigmoid, transverse, descending, and ascending.
While permanent colostomies are referred to as ‘end colostomies’, temporary colostomies surgically join the side or end of the colon to the abdominal wall to form an abdominal opening known as stoma. This end of the colon is surgically attached to the stoma. Feces pass from the stoma into the pouch that is attached to the abdomen.
What is the Recovery Period for Colostomy?
The average duration for hospital stay after a colostomy varies between three days and one week post-surgery. Complete recovery from the surgery may take up to two months. In case of temporary colostomy, you might require a closure surgery after the colon has healed. This surgery is generally performed after three months from the surgery.
Post-surgical Care for Colostomy
The following are the after-care procedures for the surgery:
- A pouching system is usually advised, which you need to wear externally. These are odor-free and available in different types of reusable and disposal varieties. You can purchase these from drug stores as well as from online portals as per your preference. The expense towards these pouching systems is usually covered by health insurance plans.
- Certain irrigation techniques offer increased control over the timing and frequency of bowel movements. You can use this as per the guidance of your doctor.
Learn more about Other Digestive Health Issues here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion