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A
stoma is an opening in the abdomen made during surgery to let digested food and
waste pass through it out of the body. It is also called an ostomy.
To have a
stoma is not a disease in itself, although it does indicate previous serious illness. A stoma may be temporary or
permanent. The most common types of ostomies are: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.
Colorectal cancer is one the main reasons for a colostomy. Part of the colon is removed and the intestine
is rerouted to an outlet (the stoma) in the abdominal wall (stoma is Greek and means mouth or orifice). An ileostomy is
normally caused by an inflammatory condition in the intestine which necessitates removal of part of the ileum and
construction of an alternative outlet. A urostomy is usually the result of cancer of the bladder.
During the operation, the end of the shortened colon is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form
the stoma, usually on the left hand side of the abdomen. This is where the faeces will pass from the body. The stoma is
moist, pinkish red in colour, and protrudes slightly from the abdomen.
Despite being red, there is no sensation in the stoma and it is not painful. Unlike your original
passage, there is no sphincter muscle in the stoma. Therefore, you will have no control over your bowels and you will
need to wear a bag to collect the faeces.
If at all possible, ask that the stoma is placed below the belt, so your belt does not obstruct
the flow. Whether this is possible, depends on how much bowel will be removed, how low you wear your belt, and
the availability of flat skin without creases to attach your appliance properly.
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