Ostomy is a surgery of the abdomen to create an artificial opening. This surgery is intended to change the way waste exits the body. Individuals with any obstruction, injury, infection, or cancer need this surgery.
Every surgical procedure has complications and risks that can be more problematic if not considered in time. Healthcare professionals know the risks and complications s when preparing for surgery. It enables diagnosing and caring for the patient after difficulties in a better way.
What Are the Risks of Ostomy Surgery?
The symptoms of these risks might range from mild to severe. It is crucial to manage the symptoms and take good care of the patient to successfully manage or subside the complications quickly.
- Blockage
When difficult-to-digest food gets stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, it creates an obstruction or blockage. In most cases, this obstruction reverse to normal on its own. Drinking plenty of water and giving temporary rest to the bowel is recommended.
- Hernia
Hernia after ostomy surgery is caused by the weak abdominal wall around the stoma. Surgery for a hernia will manage it and is performed once the hernia becomes too large.
- Diarrhea
This is the most problem associated with ostomy surgery. It is not considered a serious issue which difficult to handle. Drinking a lot of fluids is necessary for this condition to counteract the adverse effects such as dehydration and low electrolytes.
- Prolapse
It is a condition when a piece of the intestine pushes itself through the stoma. In some cases, professionals try back that part using the stoma cases. But in other or more severe cases, surgery is the only option or a patient might require a larger ostomy bag.
- Stoma Narrowing
Narrowing the stoma does not let the waste pass through it. There are many causes of this condition, but often this problem can be corrected by surgical repair.
- Bleeding
Bleeding is a general side effect of surgeries that can also happen in ostomy surgery. MA mild to moderate bleeding is manageable, but a patient might need a blood transfusion if too much blood is lost. In severe conditions, taking necessary actions to stop bleeding is crucial.
- Infection
The gut is home to millions of bacteria of different types. These bacteria can cause infection if they leak out of the gastrointestinal tract. Using the recommended antibiotics can help get recovered from this condition. A more aggressive mode of treatment is required if a patient receives a severe infection.
- Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is another common complication associated with ostomy surgery. Due to improper fixing of the ostomy bag, there is a high chance that the waste will leak out of it. It causes redness, itching, and irritation of the skin. Using ostomy powder each time when the patient changes the ostomy bag can help reduce the irritation effectively.
- Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Vitamin B-12 absorbance becomes compromised after ostomy surgery. This situation can be problematic for the one suffering from anemia caused by Vitamin B-12 deficiency. But supplements can help to reverse the condition.
- Electrolyte Imbalance
The large intestine in the body is responsible for absorbing water, electrolytes, and nutrients from food. If this part gets removed or bypassed, there will be an electrolyte imbalance. Consult the health care professional and ask about tips to maintain the electrolytes in the body. Rectal Discharge
In ostomy surgery, the route for discharge changes but still, there might be a little rectal discharge occasionally. Though the condition cannot be treated completely, it can be managed properly.
- Short Bowel Syndrome
After ostomy surgery, the patients face issues related to poor absorption of water and nutrients by the body to sustain a normal life. Medications, supplements, and surgery are the options to retain a normal lifestyle.
- Phantom Rectum Syndrome
Feeling to make a bowel movement even after it has been removed through surgery is normal. Mostly, the situation becomes normal on its own, but if the patient has associated pain, then the physician will prescribe painkillers.
Lifestyle Changes After Ostomy Surgery
Ostomy surgery means that a patient now has to live the remaining life stoma, so taking care of it is necessary.
- Stoma care
The skin around the stoma can get irritated if not cleaned regularly. Use mild soap and water to clean the respective area of the skin.
While cleaning, small spots of blood might appear. This bleeding occurs from delicate capillaries in the stoma tissue that get damaged even due to gentle rubbing. But this is completely normal and the bleeding will soon stop itself.
Skin itching or burning sensation is a sign that the patient needs to change the ostomy bag. Contact the health care professional if a large part of the skin gets inflamed.
- Diet
During the first few weeks, a low-fiber diet is recommended to maintain stool consistency. Hard stool due to a high-fiber diet can block the bowel temporarily.
After around 8 weeks, the patient can take a normal diet. But it should be a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. If try to eat a different kind of food then start it slowly and one food type in a day. It will help to understand its effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Bloating
During the first few weeks of ostomy surgery, the patient might experience flatulence. The effect of surgery can subside easily soon when the body comes out of the impact of ostomy surgery.
Not taking the food that causes bloating should be avoided. Chewing the food properly also helps in food digestion. Intake of fizzy drinks and alcohol can worsen the situation in terms of bloating. Try not to skip meals as it will produce more bodily gas.
- Activities
Having an ostomy surgery does not mean the patient cannot resume daily routine activities such as going to work, sports, traveling, etc. Once fully recovered, speak to the stoma nurse about your concerns and listen to the given by the nurse.
You might need to wear a stoma guard while playing sports or ensure you have enough ostomy supplies if traveling.