What is Ostomy?
Ostomy is a surgical procedure performed to create a pathway to the outside of one of the body’s internal organs. It is usually performed when body waste cannot be excreted normally due to a problem in the intestines or urinary tract. Ostomy is performed to improve patients’ quality of life and overcome certain health problems.
Why is ostomy done?
An ostomy may be performed for a variety of medical conditions. These include:
- Colon or rectum cancer: When the area affected by the cancer needs to be removed.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may require removal of part of the intestines.
- Intestinal obstruction: As a result of damage or loss of function of the intestines.
- Trauma: Heavy blows or injuries to the abdominal area.
- Neurogenic bowel: Conditions where the nervous system loses bowel control.
- Urinary system diseases: Serious problems in the urinary tract or when the bladder needs to be removed.
For what purpose and how is ostomy performed?
Ostomy surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon directs a healthy part of the intestine or urinary tract to the abdominal wall, creating an opening (stoma) on the outside. Thanks to this process, body waste is expelled through the stoma created on the abdomen, rather than naturally.
There are different types of ostomy, depending on the type of surgery:
- Colostomy: A section of the large intestine is brought to the abdominal wall.
- Ileostomy: The last part of the small intestine is brought to the abdominal wall.
- Urostomy: These are ostomies performed on the urinary tract and allow urine to flow out of the body.
What is an ostomy used for?
Ostomy allows patients to gain the following benefits:
- It ensures regular and safe excretion of body wastes.
- It relieves certain symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
- It reduces the risk of infection and minimizes damage to relevant organs.
- It improves the quality of life and supports adaptation to social life.
How do patients with ostomy live?
The quality of life of patients with ostomy can be high with the right care and support. Although some aspects of life change for individuals with ostomy, many people can lead active and fulfilling lives. Things that ostomy patients should pay attention to:
- Proper ostomy care and hygiene.
- Using appropriate ostomy bag and supplies.
- Reviewing eating habits and diets.
- Engaging in physical activities and exercise.
- Participating in social activities and receiving psychological support.
Despite the challenges individuals face, ostomy can offer an effective solution to health problems and allow them to continue their normal lives.
