Colostomy Care Issues

It is important for all Colorectal Surgical Patients to be informed by their Physicians whether or not they will require a colostomy following their surgical procedure. Some do require it, while others do not. Therefore, it is important to you, the patient, to be fully informed of such matters. So, don’t hesitate to ask questions. After all, it is “YOUR” health at stake.

If there is a possibility that you may have a Colostomy following your surgical procedure, you will need to be informed about the following:

1. What type of Colostomy will you be given?
2. How to care for “YOUR” Colostomy?
Each one is different based upon each one’s  surgical procedure.

ISSUES

If one is given a colostomy following a surgical procedure, it can sometimes just be temporary. In which case, the patient is only required to have it for a short period of time.
During this time, it will be important for the patient to understand the following:

1. Adjustments to this new way of excrement may take time. Be patient with yourself.

2. Realize it is”Only temporary”.  You will resume a more normal way of excrement in time.

3. Use proper hygiene practices.  Washing your hands frequently and washing the area around
    your stoma, can prevent infections.

Properly dispose all disposable material appropriately.

If you are given a permanent colostomy, with a stoma that is not reversible, similar approaches
need to be kept in mind.

1. Adjustment periods vary with each individual, both for the patient and their families.

2. There are different colostomy care products that offer a wide variety of odor control products
    to eliminate odors associated with a colostomy.  So, don’t hesitate to ask your Physician about
    such products.

3. Avoid getting your colostomy wet, if your colostomy product does not allow for such events.
 
4. Diarrhea issues can sometimes present situations where you may require frequent changing
    of flanges and disposable bags, based according to what type of colostomy products you
    choose to use.

5. Any patient with a colostomy is at a risk of infection, but proper hygiene and good dietary 
    practices can prevent many of these infections from occurring.

All Colostomy patients tend to have their immunity compromised, as a direct result of having a
colostomy.  Proper hygiene goes a long way in preventing infections.