Diagnosis leading to the need for a stoma is one of the most emotionally charged moments in a person's life. It is often accompanied by fear, anxiety, and many questions. Your information can help you understand what 'stoma' means, why it is recommended by doctors, and what questions are worth asking before making any decision.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is an opening surgically created in the body for the elimination of bodily waste. There are different types of stomas, depending on the location and cause:
- Colostomy: in the large intestine
- Ileostomy: in the small intestine
- Ureterostomy/Nephrostomy: for urine drainage or in the kidneys
Depending on the stoma someone has, there is a corresponding bag to meet their needs. The bags used for colostomy are closed and can be disposed of after use. For ileostomy, as the stools are watery, the appropriate bag is the open one since it can be emptied after each evacuation. Finally, the bags for urostomy/nephrostomy have a urine outlet valve at the bottom and can be connected to a night urine collector. You can change you bags all by yourself.
Why is a stoma recommended?
A stoma is recommended in cases where the normal passage of waste has been interrupted due to illness or injury, and a new opening needs to be created in its place. There are also cases where the need to relieve or protect the gastrointestinal or urinary tract requires the creation of the stoma, as well as when restoration without a stoma would be dangerous for the patient's life.
Is the stoma temporary or permanent?
Depending on the diagnosis, the stoma can be either temporary, for example, if it is needed to heal a surgically treated part of the intestine, or permanent, when complete removal of an organ is required or there is severe dysfunction of it. In any case, the doctor must honestly inform you about the duration and possible prospects of your stoma.
Some of the questions worth asking your doctor before proceeding, as it is important to feel that you understand the situation, are:
- What type of stoma will be created?
- Will it be temporary or permanent?
- How long will I need for recovery?
- Who will train me to care for my stoma?
- Are there different types of materials I can use?
Always remember that you have the right to know and participate in decisions about your body. You can find some answers to your questions here.
At Traumacare, we are by your side from the very first moment, offering personalized information about the types of stomas available as well as material suggestions according to your needs. Along with the information, you can also obtain product samples for the stoma at your home. With Traumacare, you have the support for the first contact with the new lifestyle you need.
Contact Phone: +30 2311 286 262
Location: Laertou 22, Thessaloniki 555 35