Enterostomy Complications: Understanding the Risks and How to Prevent Them
Enterostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the abdomen to allow the passage of fecal matter or urine. This procedure is often done to treat conditions like bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer. While enterostomy can be life-saving, it also comes with some risks and complications that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of.
- Stoma prolapse: This occurs when the stoma, which is the opening created during enterostomy, protrudes out of the abdomen. Stoma prolapse can cause discomfort, leakage, and skin irritation. To prevent stoma prolapse, patients should avoid heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements, and wearing tight clothing.
- Stoma retraction: This happens when the stoma sinks into the abdomen, making it difficult to attach the ostomy appliance. Stoma retraction can cause leakage and skin irritation. Patients should be careful not to apply excessive pressure or tension to the ostomy appliance, which can contribute to stoma retraction.
- Peristomal skin irritation: This occurs when the skin around the stoma becomes irritated, red, or itchy. Peristomal skin irritation can be caused by leakage, rubbing, or using products that contain alcohol or fragrances. Patients should use ostomy appliances that fit properly and avoid using harsh soaps or lotions on the peristomal skin.
- Parastomal hernia: This happens when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles around the stoma. Parastomal hernia can cause discomfort, constipation, and bowel obstruction. Patients can reduce their risk of parastomal hernia by avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or coughing, and by wearing a support belt or ostomy wrap.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances: Patients with enterostomy are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially if they have diarrhea or vomiting. Patients should drink plenty of fluids, avoid high-fiber foods, and consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or muscle cramps.
Enterostomy complications can be prevented or managed with proper education, support, and care. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a plan that meets their individual needs and lifestyle. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to prevent them, patients with enterostomy can live a full and healthy life.