What About an Ostomy?

May times an ostomy is a recommended mitigation for colon cancer – some are temporary to allow treatment, some are permanent. Brent had what is known as an Ileostomy (summarized below), to allow nutrition to continue while also preventing any additional flow to his blockage. The procedure was intended to be temporary to allow focus on his treatment, but also enabling him to return to his passion as a firefighter.

Brent had an honest and frank conversations with his surgeon before undergoing surgery, building an understanding about what to expect, how to prepare, and what the future would look like. “Ostomy” is a term that encompasses all ostomies, but not all ostomies are the same and we were able to reach an understanding and agree on a treatment plan with the surgeon. An important lesson learned, make sure your oncologist is on board with the treatment plan and agrees to do their part coordinating treatment schedules with the surgeon.

Colostomy

The end of your large intestine is hooked up to the stoma (a pink opening that’s visible from your abdomen).

-The stool/output is more formed and solid – what you’re used to seeing when you poop.
-Your body’s schedule of when to “go” may be sporadic.
Ostomy bags are typically closed. Once you “go,” you’ll need to replace the bag.
-You still need to get colonoscopies.
-Most often, colostomy placements are on the left side of your abdomen.
-Colostomies can be temporary or permanent.
-Some with a permanent colostomy may receive a Gracilis Flap as a part of reconstructive surgery. Patients with this will not have a butt with a “crack.”

Ileostomy

The end of the small intestine is hooked up to your stoma.

-The stool/output is watery and pasty since it does not go through the large intestine.
-Your body’s schedule of when to “go” is constant and may be more predictable.
-Ileostomy bags are drainable. This means that you empty the contents in the toilet and can use the same bag for several days.
-You do not receive colonoscopy anymore if your ileostomy is permanent.
-Most often, ileostomies are placed on the right side of your abdomen.
-Ileostomies can be temporary or permanent. Most often, a temporary ileostomy is placed when someone is recovering from colorectal cancer surgery.

Special care is needed with an ostomy around that stoma opening and in the management of bag logistics. While initially frustrating, a routine is established and becomes part of daily life. People with Ostomies quickly return to a fulfilling, active life including some extreme physical activities that they did prior to the surgery.

For a full site on ostomies, see our friends at Fight Colorectal Cancer.

For encouraging stories of folks with ostomies, see our friends at Colon Cancer Coalition, Faces of Blue.