What is an ostomy? All you need to know

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that completely changes the way the body disposes of feces. This operation is performed on patients who have problems in their digestive and intestinal systems. In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about the ostomy.

Ostomies, depending on the degree of severity of the patient, can be temporary or permanent, but in both cases, care should be the same, since complications can arise if recommendations regarding stoma care and maintenance are not followed.

What is an ostomy?

Ostomy is the procedure in which an opening is made in the abdominal wall to allow the disposal of fecal matter produced by the body that cannot be expelled naturally. The opening generated in this surgery is known as a stoma and this is where a ostomy bag which is the one that will contain the waste from the intestines.

What is a stoma?

This is the opening that is made in the abdomen in any type of ostomy surgery. Stomas tend to be pinkish in color, usually dark, and that is where ostomy discs and pouches are placed. This is an area that should be treated carefully to avoid irritation or any kind of discomfort.

Today, there are many high quality products that allow the ostomy patient to have a lot of freedom despite being treated with this surgical procedure. In Ostocare, for example, you will find all the necessary implements to increase your quality of life after an ostomy.

Types of ostomies

There are three types of ostomies that can be performed for patients who have disease in their intestinal or urinary tract. This type of surgery will allow patients to save their lives, since those who are unable to dispose of their feces or urine naturally, can present complications that generate irremediable consequences.

➡ Colostomy

Colostomies are performed in the large intestine (colon). This part of the intestine is cut and directed to the hole created in the abdomen (stoma) so that the waste can be expelled into the ostomy bag.

➡ Ileostomy

In this case, the surgery is performed in the lower part of the intestine, i.e. the ileum. Similarly, the small intestine will be brought to the opening that has been made to expel the stool.

➡ Urostomy

This is another type of stoma that is performed on patients who have bladder problems. In this procedure, the fluid is diverted before it reaches the problem bladder and a stoma is made to contain this fluid produced by the kidneys. These surgeries may be temporary or permanent, since the bladder may need to be removed if it is in very poor condition.

How to adapt to an ostomy?

An ostomy generates a considerable change in the lifestyle of each patient, therefore, it is necessary that they have the appropriate information that allows them to adapt to life after having any of these surgeries.

Generally, it is the doctors who give all the necessary information and oriented to each particular case, but in this article you can know the most relevant in terms of adaptation, quality of life and everything that is necessary to know after this intervention.

After an ostomy, patients feel a certain insecurity because the waste in their body will be contained in a bag. This can generate anxiety and anguish because they can also feel exposed or terrified by any accident that may happen in the presence of other people.

To avoid this type of situation, Ostocare offers its clients products designed to generate peace of mind and well-being for each user, thus increasing their quality of life. Using the ostomy products that we have in our catalogue, the patient will be able to be calm and feel safe in his day to day.

How does the ostomy change the diet?

Depending on the type of ostomy performed, the doctor will make some suggestions regarding the type of feeding the patient should have. Generally, colostomy and ileostomy patients are advised to eat foods that do not produce gas or adverse intestinal reactions.

Foods that can produce these reactions include cauliflower, peas, broccoli, cabbage, any type of soda or alcoholic beverage, such as beer.

It is recommended that patients with ostomies visit a nutritionist who will advise them on healthy eating and daily requirements of macronutrients, since with a balanced diet and including the right foods, the improvement of the ostomate will be faster.

In summary, if a patient did not have a healthy diet before the ostomy, that is, ate after hours, his meals were high in saturated fats, refined sugars and high in sodium, he should make a radical change that will allow him to have peace of mind and no inconvenience with his stoma.

Ostomies and daily life

Many people think that after ostomy they will not be able to perform activities they used to do, but the truth is that if they have the ideal products for ostomy care, nothing will stop them from performing their daily routines as they used to do.

An ostomate can go to work, spend a day at the beach, play sports or have an active sex life without any inconvenience. The most important thing for these patients is to follow a good diet and take care of their stoma as best as possible to avoid stumbling, irritation or any accidents that may occur.

In addition, it is extremely necessary to have high quality products and in Ostocare you can find them. We are ready to help you with whatever you need and our products will give you the security and peace of mind you need after your ostomy. Visit our catalogue, where you can find all the products we offer from Ostocare.