Is Stoma in the Abdomen a Wound?

Waco TX

07 September, 2020

4:41 PM

Description

Merely, a stoma in your abdominal wall is not a wound. Every year thousands of patients undergo ostomy surgery. An ostomy only changes the passage of discharge either liquid or solid. It does not change anything else in your body. After this procedure, a person's anus cannot eject the feces and urine. The operation occurs as a result of any severe infection, disease, or blockage in the small intestine, large intestine, ileum, rectum, colon, or bowel. An ostomy creates an opening or hole in your abdominal wall for the collection of stool and urine. This opening is the new organ of your body, called a stoma. This is not an injury or a wound. Well, in the first days or weeks of the ostomy, it seems like a round wound. But, its appearance can confuse you. This is a new part just like the anus in your body. The stoma is red, dark pink, round, or oval in looks. Many ostomates think that it is red and bleeding; therefore, this is a wound or an adverse reaction to the procedure. But, this is an intentional hole in the belly created by the doctors. Moreover, many ostomy patients do not know about the reversal procedure of the colostomy and ileostomy. They think that this is a permanent pit and they will have to live the rest of their life with this opening. No, this is fake news regarding the stoma and surgery. In a few cases your ostomy is permanent; however, most of the time it is a temporary procedure. Once your intestine gets to heal, clears the blockage, and you get rid of the infection, surgeons perform the reversal process and closes the stoma. Managing Stoma When you have a stoma or opening in your abdomen, do not treat it like a wound. Care your new organ of the body like you pay attention to your entire health and cleanliness. This is something new, small, and sensitive organ. Well, managing the opening or stoma is not tough or a big deal. It does not create any trouble for an ostomate; however, you will have to take care of stoma the way you care for your hair, hands, stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, and other internal and outer organs. The first necessary thing is ostomy appliances. Do wear the pouching system that suits your stoma. Some stoma bags do not fit to the opening; therefore, they create infections and diseases in the stoma. Do not wear too tight or loose base plates or pouches. Fitness can cause bleeding, redness, and severe infection. Moreover, the loose appliance can cause leakage and lead to stoma infection, bleeding, and some other skin diseases. Another essential point is your diet. Do not the foods that cause small, constipation, or loose motion. The upset stomach can damage your stoma. Therefore avoid eating garlic, onion, red beans, asparagus, dry fruits, too many oranges, mangoes, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and other meals that can disturb your digestive system and cause constipation, odor, or diarrhea. Last but not the least point is the cleanliness of stoma and wearing time of ostomy appliances. Many ostomates do not change their pouching system for more than three days. This cause problem, infections, wound, and diseases in the stoma. Therefore, you should use medicated wipes to clean the stoma and peristomal skin. The skin should not dehydrate; therefore, drink plenty of water and fresh juices. Moreover, wash your stoma daily, especially when you empty your stoma bag after the discharge of stool. The waste matter should not touch your stomal skin. If you feel bleeding or pain in the opening, immediately go to your doctor. However, if you feel an infection or a wound in the stoma, it is not a normal situation. Consult your surgeon and take medicines.