About

Any major surgery will be an adjustment for weeks to come after the procedure if finished. In the case of a colostomy surgery, there will be several days of healing in the hospital as well as the patient learning ostomy care. It will be an adjustment for sure. If everything goes smoothly, the patient should be back home within a few days after learning their new ostomy care routine. Nurses will teach the new routines and procedures, and the patient must learn most things before being sent home. Just like with any surgery, there are risks and possible complications. Here is a list of some things patients might notice and what to do if one of these things happen.

Skin Irritation.This is probably the most common problem that most patients will experience at one time or another. It is caused by the adhesive on the ostomy bags or barriers causing too much friction on the skin. A solution would be to switch to a different type of adhesive (as there are many to choose from) or try using a different bag or skin barrier.

Dehydration.Patients cannot control how much waste is excreted into their bag. They no longer have control over their bowels. Sometimes, excess waste can lead to dehydration because too much water is leaving the system and not enough is going in. Drinking more liquids throughout the day is definitely recommended for people with ostomies, especially if they are new ostomies. They are not used to their body getting rid of so much water so they do not realize how much more intake they need. It is also a good idea to avoid foods high in sugar and fat, at least for the first few weeks.Leakage.As a patient is learning to navigate their ostomy and all their new supplies, they can accidentally not secure the bags or barriers. It is also possible that the stoma has changed size or shape while healing and the bags and barriers just do not fit properly anymore. Leaking is just an inconvenience and not a health concern. Patients should look for new appliances that fit better.

Bowel Obstruction.Sometimes the bowel can become blocked especially if food isn’t properly chewed or digested before it enters the intestines. It is not normal for no waste to be in the bag for more than one day. If the patient is also experiencing other symptoms like stomach pain, then a doctor should be contacted immediately.Retraction. It’s possible for your stoma to move inward, usually due to weight gain, scar tissue, or improper placement. Retraction makes it hard to attach your appliance and can also cause irritation and leakage. Accessory products for your appliance can help, but a new stoma might be needed in severe cases.

●     Parastomal hernia. This is a frequent complication that happens when your intestine starts to press outward through the opening. These are very common and often go away on their own. However, in some cases you may need surgery to repair it.

●     Necrosis. Necrosis refers to tissue death, which happens when blood flow to your stoma is reduced or cut off. When this happens, it’s usually within the first few days after surgery.