Ostomy surgery is a significant procedure that alters how waste leaves your body when your bowel is diseased, injured, or not fully functional. At the heart of this surgery is the creation of a stoma. But What Is A Stoma exactly? This article will delve into the definition, purpose, and key facts about stomas, providing a comprehensive understanding for patients and anyone seeking information on this important medical topic.
A stoma, in the context of ostomy surgery, is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows intestinal contents to bypass a damaged or diseased portion of the bowel. Instead of waste passing through the typical digestive tract and exiting via the anus, it is redirected to exit through this abdominal opening. This procedure becomes necessary when the normal passage of waste is compromised due to various medical conditions.
Stoma: The Surgical Connection Explained
To understand what is a stoma, it’s essential to visualize the process. During ostomy surgery, a surgeon carefully brings a section of either the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon) to the surface of the abdomen. This section of the intestine is then gently pulled through an incision made in the abdominal wall. The end of the intestine that is brought to the surface is then turned inside out and stitched to the skin. This creates a raised, spout-like opening – the stoma.
A stoma doesn’t have any nerve endings, so it’s not painful to the touch. It’s also important to note that a stoma lacks muscle control. This means you cannot consciously control when waste passes through it. Instead, after ostomy surgery, a specially designed pouch, known as an ostomy pouch or appliance, is worn over the stoma. This pouch adheres to the skin around the stoma and serves to collect the intestinal waste in a secure and hygienic manner.
Close-up front view of a stoma with an attached ostomy pouch on a patient’s abdomen, illustrating how the pouch is positioned to collect waste.
Stoma vs. Ostomy: Clarifying the Terminology
While the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s helpful to understand the subtle difference between “stoma” and “ostomy.” “Ostomy surgery” is the broader term referring to the surgical procedure itself – the creation of an opening. A “stoma” is the actual opening created on the abdomen as a result of the ostomy surgery. Therefore, an ostomy results in a stoma.
Furthermore, healthcare professionals sometimes use specific terms to describe the stoma based on the part of the intestine used to create it.
- Ostomy: This is a general term that can refer to any stoma created during ostomy surgery, regardless of whether it’s from the small or large intestine.
- Ileostomy: This term specifically refers to a stoma created using a portion of the ileum, which is the lower part of the small intestine. In an ileostomy, the waste discharged is typically more liquid.
- Colostomy: This term indicates a stoma formed from the colon, or large intestine. Waste from a colostomy is generally more solid, depending on which part of the colon is used.
Understanding these terms can help clarify discussions with healthcare providers and provide a more precise understanding of your specific situation.
Why is a Stoma Necessary? Medical Reasons for Ostomy Surgery
Ostomy surgery, and thus the creation of a stoma, is recommended for a variety of medical conditions. These conditions often involve diseases, injuries, or congenital issues affecting the bowel’s ability to function correctly. Some common reasons for needing ostomy surgery include:
- Birth Defects: Conditions present at birth that affect the anus or large intestine, such as anorectal malformations, may necessitate an ostomy to allow for waste elimination.
- Colorectal Cancer: Cancer affecting the colon or rectum is a significant reason for ostomy surgery. In some cases, the surgery is needed to remove the cancerous portion of the bowel, and a stoma may be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of the surgery and the need for bowel healing.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): This genetic condition significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Prophylactic ostomy surgery may be recommended to prevent cancer development.
- Diverticular Disease: Severe diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches in the colon, can sometimes lead to complications requiring ostomy surgery to divert waste and allow the affected area to heal.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause severe inflammation and damage to the intestines. In cases where medications and other treatments are insufficient, ostomy surgery may be necessary to improve quality of life and manage the disease.
- Bowel Injury: Trauma to the abdomen or bowel, such as from accidents or violence, can necessitate ostomy surgery to repair the damage and allow the bowel to recover.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Blockages in the intestine that prevent the normal passage of waste may require an ostomy to bypass the obstruction and relieve pressure.
In some instances, a stoma may be temporary. This is often the case when a portion of the large intestine needs time to rest and heal after surgery. The temporary stoma allows waste to bypass the healing section, and it can be reversed in a subsequent surgery once the bowel has recovered. In other situations, a stoma is permanent, particularly when a significant portion of the bowel has been removed or when the underlying condition permanently prevents normal bowel function.
Ostomy Surgery: How Common Is It?
Understanding what is a stoma also involves recognizing the prevalence of ostomy surgery. While it may seem like a rare procedure, it is actually quite common. In the United States alone, approximately 100,000 individuals undergo ostomy surgery of the bowel each year. This number underscores the significant role ostomy surgery plays in managing various digestive health conditions and improving the lives of many people.
References
Original article link/reference if available
Note: As the original article is from NIDDK, citing NIDDK or NIH as the source would be appropriate.
