Enterostomy

Enterostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the patient's abdomen to allow the intestines to bypass certain parts of the digestive tract. This procedure is often performed when a part of the digestive tract is diseased or needs to be removed. The stoma can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's condition and the reason for the surgery.

Types of Enterostomy

There are several types of enterostomy, including:

• Ileostomy: This procedure involves creating a stoma from the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. The stoma is usually located on the right side of the abdomen.
• Colostomy: In this procedure, a stoma is created from the colon, or large intestine. The stoma can be located on either side of the abdomen, depending on which part of the colon is affected.
• Jejunostomy: This procedure involves creating a stoma from the jejunum, the middle part of the small intestine. The stoma is usually located on the left side of the abdomen.

Reasons for Enterostomy

Enterostomy may be performed for a variety of reasons, including:

• Bowel obstruction: This is a blockage that prevents intestinal contents from passing through. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as tumors, adhesions, or hernias.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can damage the intestines and may require an enterostomy.
• Bowel cancer: If a tumor is blocking the intestines or if a large portion of the intestines needs to be removed, an enterostomy may be necessary.
• Diverticulitis: Severe cases of diverticulitis, where small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, may require an enterostomy.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and brings a part of the intestine to the surface of the skin to create the stoma. The stoma is then stitched to the skin to keep it in place.

Aftercare

After the procedure, patients will need to learn how to care for their stoma and how to use ostomy supplies to collect waste. They may also need to make dietary changes and take medications to manage their condition.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with enterostomy. These can include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also the risk of stoma complications, such as blockage or prolapse.