A colostomy may be the most appropriate option to treat certain intestinal disorders such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Colostomy surgery not only eliminates the life-threatening condition, but it also helps you manage your bowel functions in a better way.

A colostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on the type or severity of the disorder you have. Whether you have a permanent colostomy or a temporary one, you can live an active and healthy life without letting your ostomy bag interfering.

The colostomy operation

Colostomy surgery involves the removal of the diseased or damaged section of the colon and rerouting of the healthy part towards the abdominal wall. The surgeon pulls the end of that part through a cut in the abdomen to create a stoma. In many cases, a traditional end colostomy is permanent. However, it can be reversed in certain cases.

Another type of colostomy is the loop colostomy, and it is mostly temporary. The surgeon creates this ostomy by pulling a loop of the colon through a cut in the abdomen. He then makes an incision on the top of the loop. The edges of the incision are sutured with the abdominal skin. This procedure results in bodily wastes leaving the body through the stoma, bypassing the ‘rested’ section of the colon. The surgeon gives you this colostomy to allow the rested section of the colon to recover.

A colostomy surgery will require you to stay in the hospital for 3-7 days. During the initial recovery phase, which could be of 3-6 days, there is a risk of bleeding and infections. The doctor and the surgical staff will monitor your ostomy and surgery site closely to make sure that you are doing well.

After colostomy surgery

After surgery, you will need to use an external pouch to manage your stool evacuations. Your stoma will not have sphincter muscles to help you control when to have bowel movements. An ostomy bag is where your stoma will drain your waste materials. You will need to change your ostomy bag after 1-3 days, depending on the type of pouch you are using. Alternatively, you can irrigate your colostomy to eliminate the need to wear an ostomy pouch.

Your doctor may opt to create an internal pouch, which will remain hidden inside your abdomen. This internal reservoir will consist of bowel tissues. A valve made of living tissues will connect this reservoir to the outside of the body. The most significant advantage of this internal pouch is that it allows you to draw your stool when you want. You are going to have to use catheters to draw the stool out. This internal pouch is known as the Kock pouch.

Another internal pouch that you can have is the j-pouch. This internal reservoir is an alternative to the rectum. The surgeon will create this pouch and fit it over the anus by making an incision at its bottom. You will need to move your bowels when this reservoir becomes full. This pouch allows you to have bowel movements, much like the natural way.