A stoma is a surgically created opening on the surface of the abdomen to allow waste (such as urine or feces) to exit the body. It is often part of a treatment plan for various medical conditions, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or bladder cancer. The stoma connects to the digestive or urinary system, diverting the flow of waste into an external pouch or bag attached to the skin.

There are different types of stomas, including:

• Colostomy: an opening created from the colon (large intestine) to divert stool.
• Ileostomy: an opening created from the ileum (small intestine) to divert stool.
• Urostomy: an opening created to divert urine away from the bladder.

Stomas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the individual’s medical needs and circumstances.

A stoma can provide several significant benefits, particularly for individuals with severe digestive or urinary tract issues. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Improved health and quality of life: by diverting waste away from damaged or diseased parts of the digestive or urinary system, a stoma can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or bladder cancer. This often leads to an overall improvement in health and quality of life.
• Relief from symptoms: for individuals suffering from severe symptoms like chronic pain, obstruction, or incontinence, a stoma can offer immediate and substantial relief, which can help them lead a more comfortable and active life.
• Prevention of complications: by bypassing problematic areas of the bowel or urinary tract, a stoma can prevent serious complications such as infections, perforations, or obstructions that might otherwise occur.
• Enhanced nutrient absorption: in cases where parts of the intestine are severely damaged, creating a stoma can help improve nutrient absorption by allowing healthier portions of the intestine to function more effectively.
• Increased mobility and independence: with proper care and management, individuals with a stoma can often return to their daily activities, work, and hobbies. Modern stoma care products are designed to be discreet and comfortable, which helps ensure greater freedom and confidence.
• Temporary relief for healing: for some individuals, a temporary stoma allows the bowel or bladder to heal after surgery or during treatment for certain conditions. Once healing is complete, the stoma can often be reversed, and normal function restored.
• Life-saving measure: in emergency situations, such as severe bowel obstruction or perforation, creating a stoma can be a life-saving measure that stabilises the patient and prevents further complications.

These benefits make stoma surgery a valuable option for many patients, as it provides not only medical advantages but also a significant improvement in their day-to-day lives.

A stoma can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, particularly those affecting the digestive or urinary systems. Some of the primary conditions that may require the creation of a stoma include:

• Colorectal cancer: when parts of the colon,or rectum are affected by cancer, a stoma may be created to divert waste and allow the affected areas to heal or be surgically removed.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause severe inflammation and damage to the intestines. A stoma can help manage symptoms and allow the bowel to heal.
• Diverticulitis: severe cases of diverticulitis , where pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, may require a stoma to divert waste and allow the colon to recover.
• Bowel obstruction: when there is a blockage in the intestines that cannot be resolved through other means, a stoma can provide an alternative pathway for waste to exit the body.
• Trauma or injury: severe injuries to the abdomen or pelvis may necessitate the creation of a stoma to ensure waste can be effectively managed while the body heals.
• Bladder cancer: in cases where the bladder needs to be removed or bypassed, a urostomy (a type of stoma for urine) can be created to divert urine to an external pouch.
• Birth defects: some congenital conditions affecting the intestines or urinary tract may require the creation of a stoma shortly after birth to ensure the baby can properly eliminate waste.
• Ischemic bowel disease: when blood flow to parts of the intestines is reduced, leading to tissue death, a stoma can help manage waste while the affected sections are treated or removed.
• Fistulas: abnormal connections between the intestines and other organs or tissues may necessitate a stoma to divert waste and allow the fistula to heal.
• Radiation damage: some patients who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer may develop damage to the intestines that requires the creation of a stoma to manage waste effectively.

When you enter the CRCS clinic for stoma treatment, you can expect thorough and supportive care from the initial consultation  through to post-operative recovery. After the surgery, you can anticipate significant relief from the symptoms caused by your underlying condition, such as pain, obstruction, or incontinence. The stoma will allow waste to exit your body efficiently, which will help reduce discomfort associated with your condition. 

With proper care and management, you will notice an improvement in your overall health and energy levels and will be able to return to daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, the aftercare information provided by the doctor, including how to clean and maintain your stoma, will help you manage it effectively and prevent complications. The doctor will also conduct regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and ensure complete recovery and long-term well-being.