People have to get ostomy surgery for a variety of reasons and situations.
But before that, let’s backtrack a little and talk a little about what an ostomy surgery is.
What Is Ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that allows the body to properly eliminate stool or urine when the digestive or urinary system is no longer working correctly. Thanks to a surgically-created passage, your body’s waste will still be able to leave the body, although it will no longer leave through the urethra or anus.
This passage is called a stoma. Your new ostomy appliance will connect to an ostomy bag to collect your stool or urine going forward.
The stoma is typically located on the abdomen, although the positioning can vary from case to case. [1]
Who Undergoes Ostomy Surgery?
People battling some of these things may have to get an ostomy.
1. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. [2]
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. [3]
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.
3. Injury
An injury or trauma affecting the small or large intestine could result in the need for an ostomy. [4]
Ostomy and stoma care products are available at SM Health Care Sdn Bhd.
Have a specialist for consultation when you purchase any ostomy and stoma care product from us.