Ostomy Supplies and Options - Information is a Vital Health Tool
July 27th, 2007 | 
Author: 
Colostomy’s are performed for many medical reasons and are the result of many situations. Some of the more common reasons a colostomy is performed include colon cancer and intestinal surgery. Any situation in which the colon is no longer able to function properly or the intestines require time to rest and heal is viable for employing a colostomy.
A colostomy can be a permanent procedure or a temporary one. Depending on the reason that the colostomy was performed in the first place will largely dictate how long the colostomy will remain. In situations where the colostomy procedure is temporary, the stoma may be sealed and the intestines may be reversed and placed back in the abdomen to restore normal bodily functions.
While the premise and purpose of a colostomy may remain the same, the method by which a colostomy is performed can vary drastically. There are several kinds of colostomy procedures in the world of ostomy procedures and they feature a variety of uses and functions. Each procedure has its own benefits and situational applications.
The first and most commonly used type of colostomy is known as the Loop Colostomy. This type of colostomy procedure is most commonly used in emergency situations where the immediate removal of waste is critical. For this procedure a large stoma is made where the bowels are extracted and held in place by an external device. The bowels removed are usually in a loop and are able to drain mucus and stool separately and quickly.
The second type of colostomy is the End Colostomy. Commonly performed when the sectioning off and cleansing of bowels is necessary and the ability for concise and small procedures is possible. This type of colostomy takes one end of the intestine to the stoma and the other end is removed or sewn shut.
The final form of colostomy is the Double Barrel Colostomy. By taking both ends of the bowels and bringing them out of the abdomen and attaching one of these ends to a stoma in the abdomen this procedure is able to divert the flow of waste through multiple sources and drain both mucus and stool.
By: Morgan Le Fay
About the Author:
Posted in Critical Care