Ostomy Education

During your life or in the life of a loved one there may come a time when your provider suggests that the next point in your treatment plan involves creating an ostomy.  An ostomy is an opening in the body that is surgically created to allow for discharge of bodily wastes that cannot assume the normal elimination pattern.  You may also hear the word “stoma.”  A stoma is the actual end of the ureter or small/large bowel that can be observed protruding through the abdominal wall.  The words ostomy and stoma are sometimes used interchangeably.

An example of an ostomy is a colostomy which could possibly be created due to having sections of the colon removed, possibly due to colon cancer progression.  It does not matter where your ostomy is located, the care that it will require should be a top priority of your treatment plan to avoid infection, skin breakdown, etc.  Total Home Health will provide you with professional staff trained in this area that will come into your home to take care of your ostomy exactly as prescribed.  Plus, our staff will be available to provide you with education related to your ostomy and answer any questions that may surface.

As a client with a stoma you should be familiar with techniques used to clean the area, signs and symptoms of possible infection or complications, and how to apply and manage the pouching system of your ostomy.  Important educational points are explained as follows:

ü  A healthy stoma appears pink or red and moist.  It should protrude (stick out) from the abdominal wall about ¾ inch (2 cm). 

o   If you see that your stoma appears dusky, brown, black or white you must immediately notify your provider.  You most likely have circulation problems that should be addressed as quickly as possible. 

ü  Only certain cleansing agents should be used to provide care around your stoma.  These include things such as mild, pH balanced soap or no soap at all, just water. 

o   Other products such as Betadine, alcohol, or oil-based soap can interfere with the adhesion of the skin barrier and could cause skin breakdown.

ü  You should see that your Total Home Health staff nurse is measuring your stoma with each change of your pouch for up to 8 weeks following surgery.  This will ensure that the stoma is the correct size.

o   Pouching system must fit so that the skin at the base of the stoma is covered.  It should never constrict or put pressure on the stoma. 

o   If a size difference is observed related to your stoma, your provider will be notified to decide what will happen next.

There are several other indications that should alert you to immediately contact your provider.  These reasons include, but are not limited to:

Ø  Increase in abdominal pain or pain at surgical site.

Ø  Fever, redness, or drainage of the incision site.

Ø  A change in bowel habits.

Ø  Skin irritation that continues even with the correct pouching system and application.

Ø  A bulge around the ostomy site.

Ø  Separation of the stoma from the surface of the abdomen.

If at any point you observe the above characteristics related to your ostomy, never hesitate to contact your provider.  The quicker you contact someone, the better your chances will be at escaping complications that could occur and be life-threatening.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you when it comes to caring for your ostomy needs.  Our main focus is your well-being and maintaining your most optimal health to allow for the best quality of life for you.  Enroll today to have someone by your side that cares for you like your one of their own!