Stoma (Colostomy / Ileostomy)
Surgical creation of a bowel opening on the abdominal wall to divert the faecal stream - a last-resort intervention for severe refractory faecal incontinence, or part of curative surgery for IBD and colorectal conditions.
What is Stoma (Colostomy / Ileostomy)?
A stoma is a surgically created opening of the bowel onto the abdominal surface - a colostomy from the colon, an ileostomy from the small bowel. Faecal output is collected into a stoma appliance worn on the abdomen. In the context of faecal incontinence, a stoma is the last-resort option when all other treatments have failed. It is also an integral step in major bowel surgery for IBD, colorectal cancer, and rectal prolapse. Dr. Samhitha Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad counsels patients honestly and comprehensively about stoma surgery. Modern stoma appliances are discreet and reliable, and a well-sited, well-managed stoma can provide significantly improved quality of life compared to untreatable severe incontinence. Specialist stomal therapy nursing support is available throughout the journey.
How the Procedure Works
Comprehensive Counselling
Dr. Samhitha provides detailed counselling on stoma types, care, appliance choice, and realistic quality-of-life expectations before a decision is made.
Stoma Siting
A stomal therapist marks the optimal stoma site pre-operatively - below the belt line and away from skin creases, bony prominences, and previous scars.
Surgical Creation
Under general anaesthesia, the appropriate bowel segment is divided and brought to the abdominal surface through a circular opening.
Maturation
The bowel end is sutured to the skin edge - creating a well-formed, everted stoma that accepts a flange and appliance correctly.
Stomal Therapy Education
The patient is educated on stoma care, bag changing, skin care, and diet by a specialist stomal therapy nurse before and after discharge.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Provides reliable, complete control of faecal output after severe untreatable incontinence
- →Can significantly improve quality of life compared to uncontrolled severe incontinence
- →Eliminates social isolation and anxiety caused by unpredictable bowel accidents
- →Temporary stomas can be reversed after the primary problem has been resolved
- →Modern appliances are discrete, reliable, and easy to manage
- →Comprehensive stomal therapy support available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
A stoma should never be presented as a failure of treatment - for many patients, it represents freedom from years of distressing, uncontrollable incontinence. Modern appliances are discreet and reliable, and a well-sited, well-managed stoma can give a patient their life back entirely.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.