A surgically created
opening in the abdominal wall through which digested food
passes.
Temporary colostomy: May be required to give a portion
of the bowel a chance to rest and heal. When healing has
occurred, the colostomy can be reversed and normal bowel
function restored.
Permanent colostomy: May be required when a disease
affects the end part of the colon or rectum.
Reasons for surgery:
Cancer, diverticulitis, imperforate anus, Hirschsprung's
disease, trauma.
Care of colostomy:
A pouching system is usually worn. Pouches are odor free and
different manufacturers have disposable or reusable varieties
to fit one's lifestyle. Ostomy supplies are available at drug
stores, medical supply stores and through the mail.
Irrigation: Certain people are candidates for learning
irrigation techniques that will allow for increased control
over the timing of bowel movements.
Living with a colostomy:
Work: With the possible exception of jobs requiring very heavy
lifting, a colostomy should not interfere with work. People
with colostomies are successful business people, teachers,
carpenters, welders, etc.
Sex and social life: Physically, the creation of a colostomy
usually does not affect sexual function. If there is a
problem, it is almost always related to the removal of the
rectum. The colostomy itself should not interfere with normal
sexual activity or pregnancy. It does not prevent one from
dating, marriage or having children.
Clothing: Usually one is able to wear the same clothing as
before surgery including swimwear.
Sports and activities: With a securely attached pouch one can
swim, camp out, play baseball and participate in practically
all types of sports. Caution is advised in heavy body contact
sports. Travel is not restricted in any way. Bathing and
showering may be done with or without the pouch in place.
Diet: Usually there are no dietary restrictions and foods can
be enjoyed as before.
Resources available:
The physician and medical professionals are the first source
of help. Specially trained nurses called Wound, Ostomy
Continence Nurses (WOCN) are available for consultation in
most major medical centers.
The United Ostomy Association (UOA) is a group comprised of
