Question 1

is a colostomy painful?

Accepted Answer

No: If the appliance fits well it should not be painful. There may be post surgical pain as with any surgery. Make sure you care for the ostomy to prevent skin breakdown.

Question 2

how is colostomy treated?

Accepted Answer

Nursing: Nursing ostomy care instructions will be given on care and colostomy supplies.

Question 3

what is a reversal colostomy?

Accepted Answer

Reconnection: The reversal procedure is to re-establish colonic continuity so the patient can again eliminate via anus.  Keep in mind that not all ostomies can or should be reversed.

Question 4

what is a transverse colostomy?

Accepted Answer

External drainage: The colon is interrupted and brought to the skin so the fecal flow can drain into a bag. This can be permanent or temporary, meaning a surgeon may be able to reconnect the bowels again to restore normal bowel function. One of the anatomical parts of the colon that typically traverses across the body is the transverse colon, so this is where the colon will end for a transverse colostomy.

Question 5

how is a colostomy usually done?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: A colostomy is a surgical procedure where the colon is divided after which the upstream part is sewn to the abdominal wall so that the bowel contents can be collected in a bag worn on the abdominal wall, thereby bypassing the anus. This may be permanent (for low rectal cancer) or temporary (after emergency colon surgery).  This may be done via laparoscopic or open surgery, depending on the reason.

Question 6

could colostomy bags be temporary?

Accepted Answer

Yes: In the presence of a permanent colostomy, especially if the colostomy is in the distal bowel, daily irrigations and wearing a gauze pad can replace the need for a bag.  A colostomy nurse can train to irrigate.  After a while the stoma will not function unless irrigation is employed.

Question 7

for how long does a colostomy last?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If it is done as a permanent colostomy or a temporary colostomy. Colostomies will last you a life time but you may only need it temporarily.

Question 8

why would  a colostomy be performed?

Accepted Answer

See below: There are many factors to consider. Usually a colostomy is performed because of an inability to safely reconnect the colon together. It could be due to disease, infection, cancer, radiation, poor tissues or ill health. If the colon leaked internally at a weak connection, then a serious and potentially life threatening infection can occur. The surgeon has many considerations to make at surgery.

Question 9

what should i expect after a colostomy?

Accepted Answer

Life goes on: Is it permanent? If so, you will need to make adjustments and expect some inconveniences.  You will be able to do mostly anything.  Work closely with a ostomy nurse from the start.  Support groups are helpful with good tips.

Question 10

how difficult is it to recover from colostomy?

Accepted Answer

Simple: Creating a colostomy  - especially using laparoscopic techniques is a safe procedure.  Recovery is quick and the only thing required is to get familiar with how the colostomy works.  If additional procedures are required at the same time the colostomy is created recovery will based on the specific procedures.

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Colostomy

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Is a colostomy painful?

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Could colostomy bags be temporary?

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How difficult is it to recover from colostomy?

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