What is a colostomy?
A colostomy is surgery that makes an opening in the skin on the belly and connects the bowel (colon) to that opening. The opening is called a stoma. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.
A colostomy may be done either as an open surgery or as a laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is done through a large cut (incision) in the belly. Laparoscopic surgery is done through several small incisions in the belly. The doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope, or scope) and special surgical tools through the incisions. The doctor is able to use the scope to see your organs and do the surgery. The type of surgery you have depends on your health needs. With either type of surgery, the incisions will leave scars on your belly that may fade with time.
The surgery can be done in two ways. In open surgery, the doctor makes one large cut (incision) in the belly. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several small incisions in the belly. Then the doctor puts a thin, lighted tube and special surgical tools through the incisions. The tube is called a scope. It lets the doctor see your organs and do the surgery. In either surgery, the incisions leave scars. These may fade with time.
After the surgery, stool will pass out of your body through the stoma instead of your anus. A plastic pouch or bag is attached over the stoma to collect stool.
You may worry about what your life will be like after a colostomy. Many people who have colostomies lead active, normal lives. Colostomy bags are odour-proof. They don't show under clothes. Other people won't know that you have a colostomy unless you choose to tell them. An ostomy nurse can help you learn to care for your colostomy.
Most people go home 4 to 7 days after the surgery. You will probably need about 6 weeks to fully recover.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Bring a list of questions to ask your doctors. It is important that you understand exactly what surgery is planned, the risks, benefits, and other options before your surgery.
- Tell your doctors ALL the medicines and natural health products you take, including any vitamins and supplements. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your surgery.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, be sure to talk to your doctor. They will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- You may need to stop taking certain medicines a week or more before surgery, so talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
- Before your surgery, you will speak with an anesthesia provider to discuss your anesthetic options, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives to each. This may be on the phone or in person.
- Your doctor may ask you to take a laxative to empty your bowels before surgery. Your doctor also may ask you to take an antibiotic before surgery. It is important to follow these instructions exactly.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter Q784 in the search box to learn more about "Colostomy: Before Your Surgery".