What it’s for and how to keep the colostomy bag
Colostomy is a type of stoma that involves connecting the large intestine directly to the wall of the abdomen, allowing stool to escape into a pouch when the intestine cannot be connected to the anus. This usually happens after surgery to treat bowel problems, such as cancer or diverticulitis, for example.
- Although most colostomies are temporary.
- As they are usually used only to facilitate bowel healing after surgery.
- Some can be kept for life.
- Especially when a very large part of the intestine needs to be removed.
- Which does not allow it to return.
- To connect to the anus.
After colostomy surgery, it is normal for the area of the skin where the intestine, known as the stoma, to become very red and inflamed because the intestine is injured. However, these signs will decrease during the first week with treatments performed by your doctor. Nurse.
Colostomy is indicated by your doctor when changes are identified in the large intestine, so stool cannot be properly removed by the anus. Therefore, colostomy is indicated after surgery for bowel cancer, diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease.
Depending on the part of the affected large intestine, an ascending, transverse or descending colostomy may be performed, in addition to being temporary or permanent, in which the affected intestinal part is permanently removed.
Because colostomy is performed in the large intestine, the released stools are usually soft or solid and not as acidic as in the ileostomy, in which the connection between the small intestine and the abdominal wall is established. Learn more about ileostomy.
To change the colostomy bag, it is recommended to
The contents of the dirty bag should be placed in the toilet and then the bag should be thrown away, as it should not be reused for the risk of developing infections. However, if the bag is reusable, the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed to wash it properly and ensure that it is disinfected.
There are also some types of colostomy bags that have 2 pieces and make it easy to remove stool, because the part that holds the bag is always glued to the skin, while only the bag is removed and repositioned. However, the part attached to the skin should be replaced at least every 2 or 3 days.
The number of times the bag should be replaced varies depending on how the intestine works, but ideally the exchange is done each time the bag is filled up to 2/3.
The colostomy bag can be used seamlessly in all daily activities, including swimming, swimming in the pool or entering the sea, as the water does not affect the system. However, it is only recommended to replace the bag before entering the water for hygiene reasons.
Some people may not feel comfortable using the bag all the time, and as a result, there are small cap-shaped objects that can be placed in the colostomy and prevent stools from coming out for a while. However, it is necessary to know very well the intestinal transit itself to avoid excessive accumulation of stool in the intestine.
The best way to avoid skin irritation around the colostomy is to cut the opening of the bag to the correct size, as this prevents stool from coming into direct contact with the skin.
However, other precautions to take are to wash your skin thoroughly after removing the bag and checking, using a mirror, if there is any waste at the bottom of the colostomy.
If your skin becomes very irritated over time, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or talk to the doctor in charge to use a barrier cream that does not prevent the skin from sticking.
Each person reacts differently to food, and it is necessary to be attentive to foods that cause disorders such as constipation, strong odors and gas. To do this, it is necessary to test new foods in small amounts, observing the effects they cause on colostomy.
In general, it is possible to eat a normal diet, but you have to be aware of certain foods that may favor the development of intestinal problems, such as:
The foods that should be consumed to help neutralize the smell of faeces are: carrot, chayote, spinach, cornstarch, natural yogurt, whole curd without whey, concentrated parsley or celery tea, apple skin, mint tea and crust and guava leaf.
In addition, it is important to remember that skipping meals and not eating for a long time does not prevent gas production, and it is necessary to eat regularly to improve the functioning of the colostomy.