Formation of colostomy
Preparation:
This will be dependent upon the reasons for doing the procedure. In some cases the bowel will have to be cleared using a laxative in others no specific bowel preparation is required. It is usual to mark the site of the intended colostomy before surgery so that it can be positioned to avoid belts/ compression from clothing, skin folds and at a site most easily changed. Often a stoma therapist will help with this process. Immediate pre-operative preparation is as for a general anaesthetic
Procedure:
Colostomies are either loop colostomies when a loop of the bowel is brought to the skin surface or end colostomies when the bowel is divided and the end brought onto the surface.
Anaesthetic:
General
Post Op:
This may be dictated by the underlying problem which led to the colostomy being required. The specific care related to the colostomy will be to encourage patients to get used to changing the bag themselves.
OPC Code:
