Pre-op advice
Preparing for your stoma surgery, whatever you’re feeling, it’s perfectly normal
For some, the pre-surgery period can be a very worrying time and has come due to an unexpected diagnosis. For others, it may be a relief that there is a solution at the end of a very long path full of hospital visits.
No matter what your experiences or health conditions, some knowledge may help to put your mind at ease. Remember, that you can always ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns (which we explain in more detail further down).
There are also a variety of charities available based on your particular condition but there are also the following based on your stoma type:
The stoma is the part of your bowel which is brought to the surface wall of your stomach area through a small surgically formed hole, in order to pass gas, liquid or solid stools.
Stomas can be permanent or temporary, depending on your diagnosis and reasons for surgery. They are usually red/pink in appearance and do not hurt to touch as they have no nerve endings. A stoma can also be known as an ostomy and if you have a stoma, you can often be referred to as an ‘ostomate’.
There are three main types of stoma: a Colostomy, an Ileostomy and a Urostomy.
- Colostomy: A colostomy is formed from the colon or large bowel to allow the patient to pass faeces and flatus. This is collected into what’s generally known as a stoma pouch which should be replaced once or twice a day, depending on bowel movements.
- Ileostomy: An ileostomy is formed from the ileum or small bowel to allow patient to pass loose faeces and flatus. This is collected in a drainable stoma pouch but should be changed more frequently than a colostomy. Ileostomies should be drained about four to six times per day and replaced every one to three days.
- Urostomy: A urostomy is formed by connecting the kidneys to a section of the small bowel to allow patients to pass urine. It can sometimes be called an ‘ileal conduit’ since it is formed from the ileum (small bowel), to allow patients to pass urine and small amounts of mucus. This is collected in a urostomy pouch, contained with a tap or bung. Urostomies should be emptied up to six times per day and changed daily or every alternate day.
The stoma is the part of your bowel which is brought to the surface wall of your stomach area through a small surgically formed hole, in order to pass gas, liquid or solid stools.
Stomas can be permanent or temporary, depending on your diagnosis and reasons for surgery. They are usually red/pink in appearance and do not hurt to touch as they have no nerve endings. A stoma can also be known as an ostomy and if you have a stoma, you can often be referred to as an ‘ostomate’.
There are three main types of stoma: a Colostomy, an Ileostomy and a Urostomy.
- Colostomy: A colostomy is formed from the colon or large bowel to allow the patient to pass faeces and flatus. This is collected into what’s generally known as a stoma pouch which should be replaced once or twice a day, depending on bowel movements.
- Ileostomy: An ileostomy is formed from the ileum or small bowel to allow patient to pass loose faeces and flatus. This is collected in a drainable stoma pouch but should be changed more frequently than a colostomy. Ileostomies should be drained about four to six times per day and replaced every one to three days.
- Urostomy: A urostomy is formed by connecting the kidneys to a section of the small bowel to allow patients to pass urine. It can sometimes be called an ‘ileal conduit’ since it is formed from the ileum (small bowel), to allow patients to pass urine and small amounts of mucus. This is collected in a urostomy pouch, contained with a tap or bung. Urostomies should be emptied up to six times per day and changed daily or every alternate day.
Like most surgeries, there are consultations and discussions to be had with your stoma care nurse and surgeon prior to surgery. You are not on your own in this process and can include significant others in your surgery preparations.
During your pre-operative consultations, your stoma care nurse will probably want to look at and touch your stomach area, so that they can find the best suited position for your stoma. This area is marked up with long lasting ink pen so that the surgeon can see where to operate. This process is called ‘stoma site marking’ and will promote self-care and rehabilitation after you have had surgery.
Your stoma care nurse will provide you with information relative to your operation and be there to answer any questions you might have. You will also be given different types of stoma pouches (also called stoma bags), so that you can practice using these pouches with your stoma care nurse. This helps you to understand the process and get some experience of handling the appliances before you have your operation.
You will then be given the contact details of your hospital’s stoma care nurses and also further information on how to help prepare for your operation.
It can be a benefit to practice wearing and changing your stoma pouch before your surgery. Doing this can help to boost your confidence and highlight if you may encounter any issues such as skin irritation before the operation.
After you have had your last pre-operative consultation with your stoma care nurse, the focus will turn to surgery preparation. Try not to be overwhelmed with all the information that is provided to you up until this point and remember you are not alone in this process.
Doing some of your own further reading from reputable sources, such as the charities mentioned above, can help to improve your understanding and remove any doubts you may have.
The length of your surgery will depend on what type of surgery you have and your stoma care nurse will provide you with this information. The recovery period post-op in hospital is usually between 3 – 14 days so be sure to pack some entertainment in the form of books or electrical devices. You should also pack comfy loose-fitting clothing and pyjamas, as well as essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo.
Remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about the procedure – speak to the healthcare professionals on the day such as the nurses, anaesthetists or surgeon to explain your nerves.
Once your hospital recovery period is over, you will be able to go home to complete the rest of your recovery.
You should be patient over the course of your recovery which can be expected to last around eight weeks once you’re out of hospital. During this time, you should take lots of rest and let your body restore itself to its pre-operative state. While you are at home you might expect phone calls, online appointments, or visits from your stoma nurse to form routine check-up with them to form routine check-ups or you might go into a clinic for an appointment. Your stoma nurse will be with you to assess your stoma and to help educate you on how best to care for it. They will also support your physical, psychological, spiritual, cultural, sexual and social needs, to enhance your quality of life.
If you would like to read more information about post-surgery expectations and guidance, please click here.