Every year, thousands of people experience an ostomy operation, which, in a way, is the beginning of a new life. Reconciling with the idea of a stoma is not easy, but nowadays, when medicine is evolving in great strides, its goal is not only to save a person's health and life, but also to make future life easier.

Every year, thousands of people experience an ostomy operation, which, in a way, is the beginning of a new life. Reconciling with the idea of a stoma is not easy, but nowadays, when medicine is evolving in great strides, its goal is not only to save a person's health and life, but also to make future life easier.

What is a stoma?

A stoma is an artificially created opening in the anterior wall of a person's abdomen. It is needed to remove waste products - faeces or urine from the body.

The most common causes of ostomy surgery are:

• cancer of the colon or rectum,
• cancer of the urinary bladder,
• inflammatory bowel diseases,
• traumatic colon damage and other causes.

A special collection bag is added to the artificial opening - the stoma - which accepts and accumulates waste that, after an operation, can no longer be discharged naturally.

In Europe, around 700,000 people live with a stoma on a daily basis, and there are as many as 1.3 million people with a stoma worldwide. Furthermore, about half of them spend the rest of their lives with a stoma. For others, recovery is possible to the extent where the ostomy is closed and the natural way of discharging waste products is restored. 

Problems in ostomy patients

The decision on whether the stoma is created temporarily or for the rest of the patient’s life is made by the physician, based on the health condition of the patient, prognosis and the course of the disease. However, while a person has to live with a stoma, it is important to take care of it to avoid inconveniences and complications.

Nowadays, the care of a stoma is made possible to the extent, where, over time, a person practically does not feel any difference from the usual way of life, which existed before the creation of the stoma. It should be taken into account that after the stoma is created, it should be taken care of, by paying special attention to the skin around the stoma, because the contents of the intestine or bladder can cause irritation, as well as other problems, when it comes into direct contact with the skin.

Possible problems of stoma patients:

• bleeding of the stoma,
• skin inflammations and allergies,
• frequent replacement of collection bags,
• leakage of faeces or urine and other problems.

In order for the patient and his/her relatives to learn how to take care of a stoma, it is recommended to visit the ostomy office regularly to learn proper care techniques.

It is important to remember that the stoma has neither nerves nor a sphincter, so, in contrast from a healthy body, it does not feel pain, as well as a person does not feel the need to satisfy their natural urges. Therefore, major attention must be paid to gentle care and hygiene. 

Stoma must be taken care of

The most important thing to be adjusted to in both patients with a stoma and their relatives or carers is the fact that care for the stoma must be performed very gently to avoid injury.

Care begins at the moment when the stoma is set up and a special collection bag, which must be changed regularly, is attached to it. Physical force must not be used while replacing the bag; it must be removed carefully, gently moistening the attachment place and thoroughly cleaning the skin of the stoma. It is best to do this with warm water, a soft cloth and neutral soap or other special detergents.

Some patients happen to sweat intensely, usually in summer or under other conditions, and therefore the stoma tends to become fat. In such cases, it is recommended to additionally treat it with a decoction of camomile or other natural or special agents and then carefully wipe it with a dry soft cloth.

Before attaching a new collection bag, it is recommended to treat the skin around the stoma with special protective agents designed for such purposes, which also serve as a fastener for the stoma bag. However, the use of these products should not be exaggerated. They must only be used when really needed. 

Both physical and emotional well-being are important

As the stoma patient gets used to and adapts to the new conditions, the person can continue their normal lifestyle, of course, while meeting some specific conditions.

Stoma patients can take a bath or shower, as well as enjoy the pleasures of a sauna and a swim, as well as play sports, go on trips and indulge in other fully-fledged adventures, provided that they follow the recommendations of specialists.

To additionally ensure that the ostomy bag holds in place when attached, as well as contains the abdominal cavity, in addition to all other recommendations, experts recommend the use of special medical elastic belts designed specifically for ostomy patients.

And in such cases, the psychological well-being of a person is very important, because the creation of a stoma affects the intimate life of a person and specific hygiene procedures. Therefore, family support and understanding of peers are very important for such people - it will help them to return to their normal rhythm without losing the quality of life.

Photo by William Olivieri on Unsplash