This operation is a cure for ulcerative colitis. While it is not a a cure for Crohn's
disease, it can alleviate symptoms in patients who suffer from extensive disease of the
colon and/or rectum. Generally, physicians try to avoid this procedure for people with
Crohn's disease because of the possibility of disease recurrence. For both diseases,
ostomy surgery is necessary when:
- Medications fail to relieve symptoms or cause harmful side effects
Life-threatening complications develop
Procedure:
- First, the surgeon removes the diseased colon (colectomy). In some cases, the rectum
also must be removed (proctocolectomy). Next, he creates an ileostomy: an opening (stoma)
in the abdomen, through which the ileum (section of the small intestine that joins the
colon) is rerouted. A disposable pouch, also known as an ostomy appliance, is attached to
the stoma to collect waste.
The surgeon carefully considers where to place the stoma.
Usually, it is positioned on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This location
protects the stoma when the knee is flexed and makes the appliance inconspicuous.
After Surgery
Some patients may be concerned that ostomy surgery will dramatically alter their lives.
In truth, people with ostomies usually enjoy active lives.
To help with the initial adjustment, patients can benefit from the expertise of an
enterostomal therapy nurse (ETN). A registered nurse who specializes in ostomy care, an
ETN can:
- Teach proper ostomy care
- Suggest suitable appliances
- Help in the emotional adjustment to life with an ostomy
For more information about ostomies, please contact the United
Ostomy Association (UOA) by clicking on this link or calling 800/826-0826.
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