Stomas
As described above, sometimes in surgery for Ulcerative Colitis the intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen and an opening is made so that digestive waste products (liquid or faeces) drain into a bag, rather than through the anus. If the part of the intestine brought to the surface is the ileum (the lower end of the small intestine), this procedure, and the end of the intestine connected to the opening, is known as an ileostomy. If the large intestine or colon is brought to the surface and connected in a similar way, it is a colostomy. Both types of opening are also called stomas.
Most stomas are about the size of a 50p piece and pinkish red in colour. Because the contents of the small bowel are liquid and might irritate the skin, an ileostomy usually has a short spout of tissue, about 2-3cm in length. Depending on the type of stoma bag used, ileostomy bags usually have to be emptied four to six times a day and changed about twice a week. Colostomies pass firmer stools, so colostomy bags are usually emptied slightly less frequently (about one to three times a day), and usually need to be changed each time.
As described above, sometimes in surgery for Ulcerative Colitis the intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen and an opening is made so that digestive waste products (liquid or faeces) drain into a bag, rather than through the anus. If the part of the intestine brought to the surface is the ileum (the lower end of the small intestine), this procedure, and the end of the intestine connected to the opening, is known as an ileostomy. If the large intestine or colon is brought to the surface and connected in a similar way, it is a colostomy. Both types of opening are also called stomas.
Most stomas are about the size of a 50p piece and pinkish red in colour. Because the contents of the small bowel are liquid and might irritate the skin, an ileostomy usually has a short spout of tissue, about 2-3cm in length. Depending on the type of stoma bag used, ileostomy bags usually have to be emptied four to six times a day and changed about twice a week. Colostomies pass firmer stools, so colostomy bags are usually emptied slightly less frequently (about one to three times a day), and usually need to be changed each time.
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| An Ileostomy showing the stoma opening |
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| A two-piece stoma bag – one piece stoma bags are also available. |
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