Have you had to have a colostomy due to some medical condition or after surgery? When that happens, you have to wear a bag connected to a small opening (stoma) in your abdomen. It must be a bit uncomfortable to live with this bag all the time. Especially when you are traveling, attending a social event, or wearing a dress you like, you may feel a little burdened thinking about this. However, you will be surprised to know that there is a way to not have to use this bag all the time. That is what we call Colostomy Irrigation. Let's talk about it today.
First of all, what is a colostomy?
Simply put, a colostomy is a surgical procedure in which the large intestine, which is part of our digestive system, is connected to a special opening (stoma) made in the abdominal wall. Normally, stool leaves our body through the anus. However, after a colostomy surgery, stool leaves through the stoma created in the abdomen. Then, a special bag is attached to the stoma to collect the stool.
Some people only need this temporarily. That is, until some damage to the colon or rectum heals. Then the surgeon reconnects the two parts of the intestine and closes the stoma. But some patients may need a permanent colostomy for life.
Important: A colostomy is different from an ileostomy. In an ileostomy, the stoma is connected to the small intestine, not the large intestine.
Okay, so what is Colostomy Irrigation?
Colostomy irrigation is a method of removing stool from the body without having to wear a colostomy bag all the time. It is, in essence, like an enema.
This involves flushing the colon with water through the stoma, flushing it out, and expelling the accumulated stool all at once. This can be done daily or every other day, at a set time depending on your needs. Once you get used to it, you can go to the toilet only at set times to clean your bowels. After that, you can go without a bag all day long, just cover your stoma with a small cap (Stoma Cap). The freedom you get from this is truly immense.
Can everyone have colostomy irrigation?
No. This is not for everyone. The irrigation method is only effective if the stool that comes out of the body is quite firm. Therefore, this method is only suitable for people with certain types of colostomies. Your doctor will decide whether this is right for you.
Check out the table below to see who this is typically suitable for.
| Colostomy Type | Description and reason for matching |
|---|---|
| Descending Colostomy | In this case, the stoma is connected to the part of the colon that goes down the left side of the abdomen. When it gets to this part, the stool starts to thicken a bit. So it's easier to irrigate. |
| Sigmoid Colostomy | This involves the last part of the large intestine. In this part, the stool is very thick. This is the type most suitable for the irrigation method. |
What are the things needed for irrigation?
This procedure requires some special medical equipment. You can get these from your doctor or from places that supply medical equipment.
- Irrigation System: This includes a container and a tube for watering.
- Irrigation Sleeve: A long bag that is attached to the stoma and used to direct stool and water into the toilet.
- Water: 500 to 1000 ml (1/2 to 1 liter) of warm (steamed) water.
- Adjustable Belt: A belt used to keep the irrigation sleeve in place.
- Water-based Lubricant: A lubricant that makes it easier to insert the tip of the irrigation tube into the stoma.
- Closure Clips: Clips used to close the bottom of the sleeve.
How exactly do you do this? Things to know
Very important: The correct way to irrigate your colostomy will be clearly explained to you by your doctor or a specially trained nurse (Stoma Nurse). Never do this by listening to or guessing what others say. It is very important for your safety to follow their instructions exactly.
Here are a few things you should know about this process in general:
- This task may take about an hour at first, but once you get used to it, the time will decrease.
- Irrigation at the same time every day gives the best results.
- Maybe if you remember the time when you usually had a bowel movement before your colostomy surgery, doing this at that time can help your body adjust more quickly.
- Doing this shortly after a meal or after drinking a hot drink can make the process easier.
- If you experience stomach cramps or nausea during irrigation, it may be due to the increased speed of the water or the coldness of the water.
- After about 6 to 8 weeks, your intestines will become accustomed to this system and will only pass stool at the scheduled times.
Are there any risks or complications?
Like any medical procedure, there are small things that can happen.
You may experience some skin irritation or redness around your stoma. It is normal for your stoma to bleed a little sometimes. However, if your skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or oozes a watery fluid, it could be a sign of an infection. If this happens , tell your doctor right away.
Constipation or diarrhea may also occur. Therefore, it is very important to eat fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water .
Sometimes there may be a little leakage between irrigations. This usually decreases over time.
Living with a colostomy can sometimes change the way you feel about yourself and your body image. If you feel sad, anxious, or depressed when you have trouble controlling your gas or odor, don't be ashamed to talk to your doctor. He or she can give you the advice and support you need.
| Situations when you should inform your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| 🔴 | If the size or appearance of the stoma suddenly changes. |
| 🔴 | If there is a persistent allergy or signs of infection (inflammation, itching, pus-like discharge) on the skin around the stoma. |
| 🔴 | If there is severe nausea and vomiting. |
| 🔴 | If the amount of air or stool coming out of the stoma is significantly reduced. |
| 🔴 | If you have severe stomach pain that lasts for several hours. |
| 🔴 | If there is an unusual odor, heavy bleeding, or watery fluid coming out of the stoma. |
Take-Home Message
- Colostomy irrigation is a great way to clean your bowels at regular intervals without having to use a colostomy bag. This gives you a lot of freedom.
- This method is not suitable for all types of colostomies. Only your doctor can decide if this is right for you.
- Learn the correct method and instructions for performing irrigation from your doctor or a specially trained nurse. Never try it yourself.
- Living with a colostomy can be challenging, but it doesn't have to stop you from living your life. With the help of an irrigation system or a pouch, you can continue to do the things you love and live a happy life.
- If you are experiencing any physical or mental discomfort, talk openly with your doctor about it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න