When your doctor tells you or someone you know that you need to have a bag inserted into your stomach to drain your stool, it's normal to feel a bit shocked and scared. "What is this surgery?", "Is this permanent?", "Will I be unable to live a normal life?" You may have many questions on your mind. Don't worry. Let's talk about this surgery, called 'Fecal Diversion', in a very simple way that you can understand.
What is this 'Fecal Diversion' surgery?
'Fecal Diversion', simply put, is the temporary or permanent change in the natural path of stool exiting the body (the rectum) so that it exits through the skin of the abdomen. The artificial opening created in this way on the skin of the abdomen is called a stoma .
This stoma is created using a part of the intestine.
- If you create a stoma by connecting your small intestine to the skin, it is called an ileostomy .
- If your colon is connected to the skin, it is called a colostomy .
Now you may be wondering why this is being done. Doctors usually recommend this surgery for several reasons:
- Relieve complex infections or problems related to the rectum or anus.
- As a treatment for colon cancer .
- Incontinence .
Imagine, our rectum has a ring-shaped muscle (sphincter muscle) that controls the passage of stool. That's why we can hold in and pass stool when we want. But the stoma that is created does not have such a controlling muscle. That's why we cannot control the passage of stool. That's why we have to wear a special bag ( ostomy collecting device) connected to the stoma to collect the stool that comes out.
This stoma can be temporary or permanent . It depends on your medical condition. For example, if a section of the colon is cut out and the remaining two parts are reattached, a temporary stoma is created to provide a rest period until the anastomosis heals. Once the area heals, another surgery is performed to remove the stoma and create a normal passage for stool. However, if the anus and rectum are completely removed, the stoma may need to be made permanent.
How is this surgery performed laparoscopically?
Laparoscopy, as we all know, is a type of "keyhole surgery ." In this, instead of making a large incision, only a few very small holes are made in the abdomen.
A laparoscope , a thin tube with a camera and light on the front, is inserted into the abdomen through one of the incisions. The images from the camera are shown on a large screen (monitor) in the operating room. The doctor looks at the screen and performs the surgery using special instruments inserted through other small incisions.
The advantage of this method is that there is no large incision, so there is less pain, faster healing, and fewer days in the hospital.
How is a stoma created?
There are two main types of stomas. The way they are created is slightly different.
| Stoma type | Simple way to make |
|---|---|
| End Stoma | This involves bringing the end of the intestine (small or large) directly to the surface of the skin of the abdomen, attaching it to the skin, and sewing it together. The end of the intestine emerges as an opening here. |
| Loop Stoma | This is often the method used to create a temporary stoma. In this, a loop of intestine is brought to the surface of the skin, and a small incision is made across it. This creates what looks like two openings. To prevent this loop from moving back into the stomach, a small plastic rod is placed under it for a few days after the surgery. It is then removed. |
What happens after surgery? Let's learn about the recovery period
After this type of surgery, you usually have to stay in the hospital for two or three days . Once the surgery is complete, a bag will be placed over your stoma. It will take a day or two for your digestive system to start working again. Only then will stool begin to come out of the stoma.
While you are in the hospital, a nurse who has been specially trained in stoma care will show you how to change your bag and keep the skin around your stoma clean. At first, they will show you how to do these things, and then they will teach you how to do them yourself. So when you get home, you will be able to do these things on your own.
Because this is something new, you will feel a lot of change, both physically and mentally. Sometimes you may feel very heavy and frustrated. This is very normal. Remember that you are not alone. Your nurse, your doctor, and your family are there to help you. Talk to them anytime you are feeling down.
It may be difficult at first, but over time you will get used to this new change. There are millions of people around the world who are working normally, participating in society, and living happily. That's why it's so important to stay strong.
Take-Home Message
- 'Fecal Diversion' is a surgical procedure that brings the passageway for stool to the surface of the skin on the abdomen. The opening created is called a stoma .
- Because this surgery is performed laparoscopically (keyhole), there is less pain and recovery is quicker.
- Because the stoma is not controllable, a special bag ( ostomy bag ) must be worn at all times to collect stool.
- A stoma can be temporary or permanent. It depends on your medical condition. Ask your doctor about this.
- You will experience physical and mental changes after surgery. This is normal. Never hesitate to ask for help and talk to your family and medical staff.
fecal diversion, stoma, colostomy, ileostomy, laparoscopic surgery , keyhole surgery, stoma bag, stoma, colostomy, ileostomy, laparoscopic surgery, fecal bag, intestinal surgery
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