There are many organs in our body, and each of them performs a specific function. Some of them, such as the stomach, intestines and kidneys, are vital to our health and well-being. However, there are situations when these organs become damaged, which can lead to serious problems in the body. One such situation is the formation of a stoma, an opening in the body that usually occurs as a result of the removal of part of an organ or its surgical reconstruction.
A stoma is an artificial opening that is created by removing part of the intestines or stomach due to cancer or other diseases. This opening is used to drain waste and fluids from the lower part of the body. A stoma can come in many shapes and sizes, from a tiny hole to a large opening, and often requires additional surgical correction.
Several factors should be considered before creating a stoma and undergoing surgery. First, the type of organ that will be removed and the patient's condition may influence the choice of treatment and recovery options. Secondly, the choice of stoma, its diameter and type can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life, especially when following a diet and achieving a comfortable psychological state. Third, the formation of an ostomy can cause problems with normal diet, exercise and hygiene, so creating new habits becomes an important task.
A few of the types of ostomies that are most common in medical practice include colostomy, enterostomy, and ileostomy. Each of these types of stoma has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a colostomy passes through the small intestine and allows the patient to have anal bowel movements without affecting the body's overall digestive function. The enterostomy, in turn, is located inside the colon and allows waste to pass while maintaining its absorption. An ileostomy is placed in the upper part of the small intestine, closing the natural opening in the intestine, limiting the rate of passage of contents, but reducing the need for surgical intervention.
In any case, patients with an ostomy require specialized care, including a balanced diet, careful hygiene and regular medical advice. In addition, special ostomy receiver equipment and safety measures promote good functionality and reduce the likelihood of injury and complications.