Stoma: what it is and how to care for it

WHAT IS A STOMA?

According to WHO, today every thousand people are stomized, and despite of this, few people know what a stoma is. Curiously, its carriers were such famous persons as Boris Yeltsin, Leonid Utesov, Fidel Castro, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Svetlana Surganova.

So what is a stoma and in what cases is it installed in patients? Marina Barmina, a nurse of the kidney transplantation and vascular surgery department of the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology – branch of the FSBI “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

A stoma is a surgically created opening connecting the lumen of a hollow organ with the surface of the body and designed, as a rule, to drain the contents of the intestine or bladder when the natural ways for this purpose are closed due to disease, trauma or surgical removal of a part of the organ.

There are several types of stomas, depending on which part of the organ is removed from the skin. One of the most common is a colostomy, where the large intestine is removed. Ileostomy, where the small intestine is removed. There is also an urostomy, which removes the ureters, and other forms: tracheostomy, gastrostomy, cystostoma, nephrostomy catheterization of the kidney through a nephrostomy drain.

In many ways, understanding the procedure of stoma formation and proper stoma care helps reduce fear and anxiety in patients. It is important that the stoma does not interfere with a full life, many people continue to lead an active lifestyle, engage in sports and achieve success in various fields.

The algorithm of stoma care is simple and implies its regular inspection every time when changing the stoma or uroreceiver. The stoma should be moist, pinkish-amber in color like the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The skin around it should be free of irritation, lesions, ulcers, growths. The patient should not feel itching, soreness, burning.

“Stoma is insensitive, so it does not hurt to touch it. During care, the stoma may bleed slightly, especially at first, this is normal and will pass later,” Marina Petrovna notes.

Stoma patients should always have with them a replacement stoma and care products. What may be needed?

1) Special anti-glue and cleaner they are necessary to clean the periosteal skin;

2) Sealing agents and protective films, which are used to protect the skin around the stoma;

3) Protective creams, powders and powders to prevent skin complications;

4) Absorbent sachet sachets an accessory that will be needed to eliminate unpleasant odors and absorb gases;

5) Special mini mouthpieces and tampons that will be required by those who are involved in swimming and sports.

You can always get detailed information about consumables, rules of stoma care and consultation of specialists at the NMRRC of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, where the Center for Rehabilitation of Stoma Patients has been established and where we invite everyone if they need help. Appointments to specialists are made through the contact center by phone +7 (495) 150-11-22. At the in-person appointment, you should have your medical documents and the means used for stoma care.

Friends, remember: a stoma is not a cause for fear or embarrassment, but rather a method of treatment and health maintenance for many people around the world. Understanding and support from others also play an important role in adapting to the new reality. Don’t forget to accompany and support your loved ones during this important period!