Stoma Care

A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which an artificial opening is made in the abdomen wall (called stoma) and an end of the large intestine (colon) is connected to the stoma. The purpose of the colostomy is to allow feces leave the body when these cannot go through the rectum (because of an injury or surgery affecting the colon).

Colostomies are classified depending on the part of the colon connected to the stoma. For example, a sigmoid colostomy refers to the sigmoid colon—the S-shaped part of the large intestine just before the rectum.

Various products have been developed for people with colostomies. One device specially designed for those with a sigmoid colostomy is a flexible called a cap, which collects and retains all mucous discharge coming from the stoma. The stoma caps are comfortable and discrete—their fleshtone make them unnoticeable under clothing. The caps are waterproof and can be used while swiming or bathing.

Manufacturers can usually customize the hole size of the stoma caps according to the needs of every person—from 1/2" to 1 1/2" in diameter. Using the stoma caps will allow you to practice your favorite sport and wear your favorite clothes even after a colostomy—they are not only safe but also comfortable and easy to use. To control your stools, you can irrigate the colon with warm water through the stoma every day. A few minutes after irrigation, the bowel will return the water along with the stools. This process lasts approximately one hour. By doing this, you can ensure that the stools are consistently removed at one time during the day and wear your stoma cap worry-free for the rest of the day.

For people who do not want to irrigate there is another option—a pouching system. Instead of a cap, they wear a small bag where the feces are deposited; then the pouch is drained. Colostomy pouches are odor-free.