Colostomy: A surgical procedure in which a portion of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall to form an artificial opening, known as a stoma.
Ileostomy: A surgical procedure in which the end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall to form an artificial opening, known as a stoma.
Types of Colostomy
End colostomy: The end of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall, and the bowel is not connected to the rectum.
Loop colostomy: A loop of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall, and the bowel is temporarily diverted.
Sigmoid colostomy: The sigmoid colon is brought through the abdominal wall, and the bowel is not connected to the rectum.
Transverse colostomy: The transverse colon is brought through the abdominal wall, and the bowel is not connected to the rectum.
Indications
Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction, such as bowel cancer or adhesions.
Injury: Intestinal injury, such as trauma or surgical complications.
Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Tumor: Colorectal cancer or other tumors in the colon or rectum.
Surgical Techniques
→ Preparation: The patient is prepared for surgery, including bowel preparation, anesthesia, and positioning.
→ Incision: A surgical incision is made in the abdomen to access the colon or small intestine.
→ Identification: The colon or small intestine is identified and isolated from surrounding tissues.
→ Division: The colon or small intestine is divided using surgical instruments, such as scissors or a stapler.
→ Stoma creation: A stoma is created by bringing the colon or small intestine through the abdominal wall.
→ Closure: The abdomen is closed, and the incision is sutured.
Complications
Infection: Surgical site infection or peritonitis.
Leakage: Leaks from the stoma or bowel.
Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction due to adhesions or bowel twisting.
Stomal complications: Stomal retraction, stenosis, or prolapse.
Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation
→ Monitoring: The patient is monitored for complications and signs of infection.
→ Stoma care: The stoma is cared for, including dressing changes and irrigation.
→ Diet: The patient is started on a liquid diet and gradually progressed to solid foods.
→ Activity: The patient is encouraged to ambulate and perform activities of daily living.
→ Follow-up: Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the stoma and bowel function.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines
Arsenicum album: For symptoms of colostomy, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Calcarea carbonica: For symptoms of ileostomy, such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Phosphorus: For symptoms of bowel obstruction, such as abdominal pain and vomiting.