What is a Stoma?

What is a Stoma?

A Stoma is a surgical opening made on the surface of the abdomen to divert urine from the urinary bladder and/or feces from the colon to an appliance (bag/pouch) attached to the stoma. This opening may be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s condition. 

A stoma is created to prevent diseases and obstructions involving the intestines from becoming more serious.

Indications for a Stoma

• Colon or bladder cancer
• Trauma or injury involving the colon
• Congenital anomalies involving the intestines or the anus
• Obstructive disease of the intestines

When to consult a physician?

• Consultation is done prior to the operation, after the operation, and before discharge.
• When the patient and his/her family need assistance upon discharge
• When there is blood in the stool or urine coming out of the stoma
• When there are complications such as skin irritations and blisters on the area surrounding the stoma

Always keep in touch with your Ostomy Nurse as necessary especially if there are inquiries pertaining to proper care of the stoma.

What are the possible complications of having a Stoma?

1. Skin Irritations – when there is redness or swelling of or around the stoma
2. Stoma Hernia – when the abdominal muscle surrounding the stoma weakens resulting in the bulging out of abdominal content (usually the intestines)
3. Stoma Prolapse–when the stoma is displaced from its original position

How should you care for the Stoma?

• Get proper counselling from your OSTOMY NURSE.
• Make sure that you have the proper appliance and products to be used on your stoma.
• Avoid strenuous activities involving heavy lifting to prevent stomal prolapse.
• Consult your dietician and eat a balanced diet.

How can The Medical City help you?

At The Medical City, we have a Stoma and Wound Care team that can assess and treat patients with stoma and stoma-related concerns. The team is housed at The Medical City’s Stoma and Complex Wound Care Clinic.

Stoma & Complex Wound Care Clinic SERVICES:

STOMA CARE

• Pre and Post-Operative Counselling
• Stoma Marking/Planning
• Colonic Irrigation
• Management of Stomal Complications
• Ostomy Supplies

WOUND CARE

• Pressure Injuries (Ulcers)
• Venous & Arterial Leg Ulcers
• Cellulitis
• Negative Pressure Wound Vacuum Therapy
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers
• Other types of Chronic Wounds
• Wound Supplies
• Ingrown toe nail cutting
• Nail Clipping
• Layered Bandaging

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For details pertaining to your specific situation, consult your physician or dermatologist.

For inquiries, you may contact:

STOMA AND COMPLEX WOUND CARE CLINIC

2/F Podium Building, The Medical City

Tel. No.: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 988-7000 Ext. 6671

References

• Shindo, K. (2014). Stoma Care Guide: Give the Hand of Love to Stand, vol. 2,
• Scemons, D. and Elston, D. (year). Nurse to Nurse Wound Care, Basic Ostomy. (publisher city, state: Publishing company)
• Ohura, T. Management of Complicated Stoma. World Council of Enterstomal therapists, vol. 33, pp. 8-15.
• Hess, C. Wound Care 5^th edition.