The term colostomy designates the union of the anterior abdominal wall of a portion of the colon, in order to permit evacuation of gases and feces. This evacuation is given by a hole called stoma.

Stoma is a surgical treatment that corrects intestinal disorders, it is usually recommended for patients who have blocked part of the intestine or other pathology that prevents the elimination of stool from the rectum.

Colostomy bags Disposable X Reusable: The Differences

The disposable bag has its validity every cleaning colostomy because it lacks a mechanism for internal cleaning thereof, and reusable colostomy bag, popularly called karaya bag, an outlet for neglect and clean the internal bag, and its validity after installed within 7 days.

Stomatherapy: Did you know?

There is a qualified professional especially for this type of procedure. This is the
nurse stoma, ie it is an area of specialization in nursing, recognized since 1980, which is responsible for the study and treatment of acute and chronic wounds. It is also the specialty care to patients with ostomy and incontinence, to guide, more clearly the steps to be carried out with different types of ostomy, such as colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, etc. in the home environment.

What care we should take with reusable bags?

• Empty the bag (at least once per shift and whenever necessary), releasing only the clamp that closes at the bottom;
• Wash it with saline each time they discard the contents into the toilet. The clamp can be reused in the exchanges from the same patient;
• The exchange of the bag is recommended between 5 and 7 days, or as needed (if any
  leaks, bad strong smell, dirt), redness and pain peristoma indicates skin irritation problems;
• The deposit of the stool collection bag begins around 72 hours after surgery;
• The drain can be continuous and constant, for there is no restraint control (sphincter) of waste around the stoma;
• The collecting bag may be emptied every 4 or 6 hours. It should be noted the amount of draining material with constant and not allow it to be filled beyond its half;

The fill beyond this limit jeopardizes the integrity of Stoma, causing lesions and high risk of infection.

What care we should have with the stoma?

• The skin on the Stoma should stay pink or vivid and bright red;
• Observe the skin around the collection bag, and the setting and its appearance. If very dirty around the attachment, you must make the switch from the collection bag;
• It is in the intestine that occurs most of the absorption of fluids and electrolytes dispersed derived from the patient’s nutrition. It is prudent to note fluid intake and monitor specific laboratory tests with proper absorption of electrolytes and regulate hydration. dehydration symptoms such as dry skin and headache (headache) intense and the applicant must be informed;

What are the general care nursing with a colostomy?

• Clear region colostomy with 0.9% saline, in a circular motion;
• Dry the area around with sterile gauze;
• Mark the bag with the circle jig, according to the diameter of the fistula, or drain the ostomy;
• Cut the marked hole;
• Observe that the hole is not too tight garrotando ostomy, or too big facilitating contact direct secretion skin damaging it;
• Remove the adhesive;
• Remove the protective covering the upper surface of the plate;
• Apply the plate with the rim of the region;
• Adapting the plastic bag to the bottom rim of the plate in cephalocaudal position;
• Exerting a slight pressure to the wheel from the bottom of the plastic bag until it is safe, asking the patient to stiffen the region;
• Gently pull the bag down, to confirm that it is properly seated.
• Register in the chart: characteristic of colostomy output, volume, odor, color, etc …