Yes, stoma surgery (creating an ileostomy or colostomy) is generally considered a major operation, involving significant bodily changes, an extended recovery (weeks to months), potential pain, fatigue, and risks like infection, though recovery is manageable and many live full lives. It's often life-saving but requires major bowel surgery and adaptation to a stoma bag.
Like any major surgery, ostomy surgery may lead to complications, such as bleeding and infection. Some risks depend on the type of ostomy surgery you have and the reasons you need surgery. After ostomy surgery, talk with your ostomy nurse or doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms or problems.
After the operation, you'll have a stoma bag attached to your tummy. Your tummy may feel bloated and sore. Ask for painkillers if you need them. You'll usually stay in hospital for around 2 to 7 days.
You may experience some pain and discomfort initially whilst recovering from your stoma surgery. This is a normal part of recovery and you may need to take regular pain relief. There is no need to suffer! Avoid tight fitting clothing during this period as your abdomen may be sore and swollen.
The risks of colostomy surgery may include bowel blockage (obstruction), a twisted bowel near the stoma, or problems with the stoma. These problems may include bleeding, the stoma shrinking in or bulging out, a sore (ulcer) in the bowel or an infection occurring.
Results. 4,250 patients underwent ostomy creation surgery; 3,866 (91.0%) procedures were open and 384 (9.0%) were laparoscopic. Unadjusted morbidity and mortality rates were 43.9% and 10.7%, respectively.
A colostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that creates a passageway in which a piece of the colon (large intestine) is brought to an outside opening in the skin called a stoma or ostomy, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen.
You may feel tired after surgery but you could try gentle exercise like a short walk when you feel ready. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 8 weeks while your tummy muscles heal.
What are the Most Common Stoma Complications?
There shouldn't be a noticeable smell if the stoma pouch is intact and sealed. Getting the right product is key in managing any odour. If there is a smell, this could be because the filter on the stoma is blocked, or the bag isn't stuck down properly. Ask your stoma nurse for help if this is an ongoing problem for you.
Wait until you've recovered from the operation to drive again, usually at least 6 weeks. After that, having an ileostomy will not affect your driving.
Can you still poop with a colostomy bag? Pooping will be different with a colostomy bag. After your surgery, your anus may continue to expel small amounts of poop and other fluids that remain inside (even weeks to months after surgery). But new poop will now exit through your stoma.
Persons living with a stoma are at risk of experiencing anxiety and depression, and of having an impaired quality of life (specifically, sexuality and body image, work and social functioning). Despite the high prevalence of anxiety or depression in this study, most were not receiving psychological support.
You will be given a long-acting antibiotic in the anaesthetic room and an injection of local anaesthetic before you leave the operating theatre. The whole surgical procedure takes 30–60 minutes, depending on complexity and patient factors.
Having a stoma shouldn't stop you from enjoying most sports or physical activities. You should avoid any extreme contact sports. There are special supports, bags and caps you can use to cover your stoma when swimming and playing sport.
Certain foods may get stuck in the narrowed part of the colon or ileum and cause an obstruction (blockage). These same foods could also make the stoma swollen and irritated. An obstruction is more likely to happen with an ileostomy than with a colostomy. Drinking extra fluids can help prevent an obstruction.
Having diarrhoea will often mean that the stoma bag needs to be changed much more regularly than usual. This can mean that you go through supplies much quicker and also lead to irritation of the peristomal skin.
If you are using a closed bag, you may be changing it 1-3 times a day, it varies from person to person. For those with a drainable bag, particularly with a urostomy or ileostomy, you may be changing it daily or even every other day.
This usually involves following a special diet and possibly taking laxatives in the days before the operation. This is so your bowel is empty on the day of the operation. If your colostomy is done as an emergency, you may not be able to prepare for it, but a stoma nurse will be able to support you afterwards.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," Kate said. "However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
Hospital for 3-10 days
Most stoma patients are able to leave the hospital after just a few days, although you should be prepared to spend up to 10 days. During this time you may be kept on a drip to ensure you remain well hydrated. You might also have a catheter to drain urine and an oxygen mask to help you breathe.
All over the world ostomates are living normal active lifestyles including participating in sports, cycling, running in marathons, mountain climbing and most definitely swimming including going into hot tubs. A stoma is NOT an open wound, so having an ostomy is no reason to stop these activities.
It is not uncommon to feel the need to go to the toilet as you did before. This is normal and should reduce with time. If your anus is still present there may be some mucus discharge from it. If you have a urostomy, the stoma will begin to work immediately after your operation.
In his new autobiography, Matthew Perry reveals that his colon burst as a result of his addiction to opioid painkillers. The 53-year-old actor, who played Chandler Bing in Friends, was in a coma for two weeks following the incident and had to wear a colostomy bag for nine months.
It is fine to have a bath or shower with your stoma bag on, if you prefer.