How should the stoma be observed after enterostomy?

An enterostomy is a common procedure used to treat intestinal disorders. After an enterostomy, the patient needs to monitor the stoma closely to ensure the success of the operation and the recovery of the body. Today we will first learn how to observe the stoma:

First of all, observe the wound condition at the stoma suture:

There may be redness at the sutures and pain after anesthesia, which are the most common manifestations in the early postoperative period. It is recommended to replace the chassis of the ostomy bag at the initial stage within 3 days. Once leakage is found in the chassis, replace it in time to avoid infection of the wound, which is not conducive to wound healing. In case of severe bleeding, it is recommended to seek medical attention. It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding at the wound in the early stage after surgery. The chassis should not be too tight or too hard. It is recommended to use a softer chassis.

For the redness and swelling of the wound, every time the chassis is replaced, after cleaning with warm water, disinfect it with iodophor 3 times, dry it, and take care of it according to the routine stoma replacement process. Of course, if there are more and more severe pains at the stoma, you should seek medical treatment in time.

Secondly, observe whether the stoma mucosa is alive: the stoma itself is the intestinal mucosa. Under normal blood supply, the stoma is beef red or light red, with a smooth, moist, and elastic surface.

It is not normal for the stoma to turn white, purple, or black. If this happens, consult the surgeon for feedback in time for help.

Generally, the abnormal blood supply of the stoma may be accompanied by unsmooth defecation and exhaust, abdominal pain, etc. You need to pay attention to your own exhaust. In addition, stoma patients may also experience stoma edema after surgery: there may be swollen and shiny and then translucent. Generally, edema is normal after surgery, and it will last for about 4-6 weeks and slowly subside on its own.

However, if the edema is particularly severe, you need to seek medical treatment in time. The hospital will use hyperosmolar magnesium sulfate wet compress, or cooperate with other treatment methods to reduce swelling.

Below, we will introduce some methods of how to observe the stoma after enterostomy :

Observe the color of the stoma :

After an enterostomy, the patient needs to observe the color of the stoma. If the skin around the stoma has redness, swelling, fever, oozing, and other abnormal symptoms, you should contact your doctor in time. Under normal circumstances, the skin of the stoma should be ruddy, smooth, and free of discharge.

Observe the flow of the stoma :

After an enterostomy, the patient needs to observe whether the stoma is draining. If the skin around the stoma has redness, swelling, fever, oozing, and other abnormal symptoms, you should contact your doctor in time. Under normal circumstances, the stoma does not drain.

Observe the excretion of the stoma :

After an enterostomy, the patient needs to observe the excretion of the stoma. If the excrement is foul-smelling, black or green, or has an unusual color or smell, you should contact your doctor immediately. Under normal circumstances, the excrement should be light yellow or colorless, with no peculiar smell.

Keep the area around your stoma clean :

After an enterostomy, the patient needs to keep the area around the stoma clean. Wash the stoma and surrounding skin daily with warm water and soap to make sure there are no discharges or discharges. When cleaning, wipe the skin gently to avoid excessive force, which may cause skin damage.

Follow your doctor's advice :

After an enterostomy, the patient needs to follow the doctor's advice. Your doctor will advise you on appropriate care, including diet, activity, and more. Patients should strictly follow the doctor's advice for nursing care, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.

In short, after enterostomy, patients need to closely observe the stoma, detect abnormalities in time and contact the doctor. Only by taking care according to the doctor's advice can the body recover as soon as possible.

Care for the stoma, learn stoma knowledge and care for yourself.

For more information on Innomed® Ostomy Skin Barrier, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly. At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: April 14, 2023