Understanding Colostomy: Types, Care, and Confidence

The prospect of undergoing colostomy can lead to a range of emotions and questions. At Coloplast, we know that a colostomy can be a life-altering procedure, and we are here to provide you with all the information and support you need to navigate this journey.

What Is a Colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that connects the large intestine to the abdominal wall. During this procedure, a surgeon creates an opening in the abdomen and attaches the colon to it. This can be done in any part of the colon. A colostomy is necessary if part of the colon has been, or has to be, removed. Sometimes it's necessary to remove part of the colon due to illness, infection or trauma.

The conditions that require a colostomy include the following:

• Crohn's disease

• Diverticulitis

• Colon cancer

• Bowel obstruction

• Injury to the colon or rectum

A colostomy can be either temporary or permanent. Whether your colostomy is temporary or permanent, in most cases, the surgery will be done after a bowel surgery or injury.

Types of Colostomy

There are two main types of colostomies: A loop colostomy and an end colostomy. Another term you may hear is a double-barrel colostomy. Which type of colostomy is needed depends on your condition and circumstances.

Loop colostomy

If the operation is a temporary measure to relieve pain, a loop colostomy will most often be the preferred choice as it's easier to reverse. The operation is therefore done to allow treatment in the large bowel or relieve a blocked bowel. However, a loop colostomy can, in some cases, be permanent.

In a loop colostomy the intestine is not entirely severed, instead a new opening is cut in the intestine which is attached to the abdominal wall to form a single stoma with two openings.

A loop colostomy may be located on the right or left side of the abdomen based on the location in the large intestine. You may hear terms like a loop ascending colostomy or loop descending colostomy. An ascending loop colostomy redirects the ascending colon, the first part of your colon that travels up the right side of your abdomen. A transverse loop colostomy redirects the transverse colon, the part that travels horizontally across your abdomen from the right side to the left. A descending loop colostomy redirects your descending colon, which travels down the left side.

End colostomy

An end colostomy can be either temporary or permanent. A temporary end colostomy is typically recommended when a portion of the bowel has been removed due to a disease, while the remaining bowel needs time to heal before the two ends can be rejoined.

A permanent end colostomy, on the other hand, is chosen in situations where reconnecting the two sections of the intestine is either too risky or not feasible.

Regardless of whether your end colostomy is temporary or permanent, the procedure is to bring the end of the colon through the abdominal wall and stitch the edges of upper colon to the outside of your stomach - which forms a stoma. The stoma may be located on the right or left side of the abdomen based on the location in the large intestine. You may hear terms like an end descending colostomy or end sigmoid colostomy.

Double-barrel colostomy

A double-barrel colostomy may also be created. This is where two separate stomas are created leading in opposite directions along the intestine. However, this is not as common as a loop or end colostomy (this is different from a loop colostomy because two separate stomas are created).

Managing Your Colostomy: Products and Techniques

A colostomy will likely significantly impact your life, but it doesn’t have to stop you doing the things you love. The most important things are to establish your daily routine and find the products that are right for you. In the following sections, we will delve into various aspects of colostomy care and products, together with insights into how to live your life to the fullest with your stoma.

Colostomy bags

Some of the most used products in colostomy care are colostomy bags also known as colostomy pouches. They are specialized bags that come in many sizes and shapes. There are two main types: one-piece bags and two-piece bags.

The one-piece colostomy bag (or pouch) includes a stoma cover - also known as stoma cover, barrier, or wafer - and a bag which are fused together as a single piece.

The two-piece colostomy bag (or pouch) consists of a skin barrier - also known as stoma cover, barrier, or wafer - and a bag that can detach from it.

At Coloplast, you can find both types of colostomy bags as well as barriers, seals and removal sprays - all in different designs that cater to your individual preferences and requirements. Our colostomy bags and seals are made of skin-friendly materials, and they are designed to ensure a snug yet gentle fit around the stoma, preventing leaks and minimizing the risk of skin irritation.

Take a look at our colostomy care products and continue your daily activities without worry.

Product Care: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting used to your colostomy care routine is essential. With the right information and some training, you can ensure comfort and hygiene and prevent leaks and skin irritation.

Read our three-step guide on how to change your colostomy bag:

1. Start by gently removing the old colostomy bag so you do not damage the skin or disturb the stoma.

2. Cleanse the skin around the stoma. Use water and a washcloth and pat the area completely dry after cleansing. Avoid using wipes that contain oils or perfume.

3. Attach the new bag by aligning the opening with the stoma and securing it in place to prevent leaks.

To further assist you in the process, we've included a visual guide to to help you change your colostomy with confidence.

FAQ

As you are undergoing colostomy surgery, you will, in some ways, enter new ways of living life - but there's no reason why it should stop you from doing most of the things you already do. However, if you feel nervous about what to expect, Coloplast will help you prepare. Let's explore what to expect and how to get ready both mentally and physically.

What can I expect after my surgery?

Right after your surgery, you’ll be wearing your first colostomy bag. This will probably be a clear one so that your nurses can check on your new stoma easily. Here, you usually spend a few days in the hospital to recover and let your stoma heal. A stoma nurse will support and guide you, showing you how to care for your stoma and the skin surrounding your stoma. Often, a doctor or ostomy nurse will also advise you on how and when to resume normal activities - because it is important to establish a good routine from the beginning and get back to your normal way of life as quickly as possible.

Don't rush your recovery; it can take a while before you feel ready to resume your normal activities. The first few weeks after your stoma surgery can be challenging. You have a lot of new things to learn and new routines to establish, and you may feel like your body has changed. It is perfectly natural, and it will take time to adjust to your new life with a stoma.

What is the role of an ostomy nurse?

After your operation, your ostomy care nurse will focus on helping you become confident in taking care of your stoma. Often, most people find it helpful also to have a close relative or spouse for this training.

Your nurse will help you with the following:

• Learning how to care for your stoma, including any possible complications to watch out for

• Re-ordering bags, barriers, and accessories

• Making sure you know your rights regarding compensation and other economic support relating to your stoma

• Information about practical aspects of living with a stoma, e.g. foods and drink, your social life, traveling, and your intimate relationships

• Who to contact when you have questions

• Association support groups in your area

Before you leave the hospital, your ostomy nurse will likely plan for follow-up care to make sure you feel confident caring for your ostomy.

What will my colostomy look like, and how does it work?

After your surgery, your stoma will be moist and pinkish-red in color, and can be seen sticking out a bit from your abdomen (though it's also common for both scar tissue and stoma to remain flush with the skin surface).

Your stoma will begin to work shortly after your operation, usually within a few days. At first, the output will be a watery liquid and may be strong-smelling as your bowel hasn't been working for a while. Don't worry, though; the consistency will thicken slightly, and the smell will diminish as you resume a more balanced diet.

Your stoma output is dependent on where the location of the ostomy is in the large intestine. Further up in the large intestine, like near the ascending colon, you may notice more soft or liquid output. As for the sigmoid colostomy you may notice more solid stool. Because your large intestine naturally pushes stool through you may notice that you have more of a pattern or routine with your bowel movements.

Your doctor will advise you when you gain a normal bowel function and can eat and drink as usual. Initially, it's also likely that a certain amount of noisy gas will come from the stoma – again, this is perfectly normal. It is not uncommon to feel the need to use the restroom as you did before. This is normal and should be reduced with time. And if your anus is still present, there may be some mucus discharge from it.

Coloplast: Your partner in colostomy care

There is a lot of new information to take once you or a loved one is undergoing colostomy surgery. It may even feel a bit overwhelming. Remember that Coloplast is here for you - to answer all the questions you need, to guide you with video training and to offer you different types of support programs.

We want to make sure that you are as prepared as possible and feel as confident as possible, both before the surgery and when you are back at home.

We care about you overcoming challenges

Once you are home after your surgery, you may experience some challenges caring for your stoma. But remember that your WOC nurse, as well as a dedicated Coloplast Care Advisor, will be more than happy to help you with any issues.

Coloplast also has a support program called Coloplast Care that offers straightforward advice, personalized support and inspiration. We'll pair you with a dedicated care advisor who will answer any questions you might have about your stoma. Join today or get in touch with a Care Advisor by calling 1-888-726-7872.