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Ostomy

Overview

An ostomy, or stoma, is a surgically created opening between the intestines and the abdominal wall. Ostomies can be temporary or permanent.

Ostomy Types

• Ileostomy: Connects the last part of the small intestines (ileum) to the abdominal wall.
• Colostomy: Connects a part of the colon (large intestine) to the abdominal wall.

Diagnosis

Ostomies can be caused by the following conditions:

• Cancer
• Trauma
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Bowel obstruction
• Infection
• Fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements)
• Diverticular disease (small bulges or sacs that form in the wall of the large intestine)

Treatment

Dietary Restrictions: Depending on the type of ostomy, you may need to change what you eat to control the number of and consistency of bowel movements. You will learn to monitor the effect of food on ostomy function. After a period of time, many patients are able to slowly introduce foods back into their diets. It helps to chew food well, drink plenty of fluids and avoid certain high roughage foods, such as green leafy vegetables. After recovering from surgery, most patients do not have dietary limitations.

ASCRS: Ostomy

United Ostomy Associations of America