List of -ostomies

List of -ostomies

An -ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside. It is a life-saving procedure for various diseases and conditions where the normal route for bodily waste is no longer available or advisable. This article provides a comprehensive list of different types of -ostomies, highlighting their purposes and the conditions they address.

Types of -ostomies

Colostomy

A Colostomy involves creating an opening of the colon (large intestine) through the abdominal wall. It is often performed after removing part or all of the colon due to conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, or traumatic injury. The stoma (opening) allows waste to exit the body into a colostomy bag.

Ileostomy

An Ileostomy is similar to a colostomy, but the opening is made from the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) to the abdominal wall. This procedure is necessary when the entire colon needs to be bypassed, often due to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or cancer.

Urostomy

A Urostomy (or ileal conduit) is a procedure that diverts urine away from a diseased or defective bladder through a stoma in the abdomen. The ileum is used to create a conduit for urine to exit the body into a urostomy bag. This is often required for patients with bladder cancer or significant bladder dysfunction.

Tracheostomy

A Tracheostomy involves creating an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to facilitate breathing. This procedure is often necessary for individuals with obstructed airways, needing long-term ventilation support, or with conditions that produce excessive secretions.

Gastrostomy

A Gastrostomy involves creating an opening from the stomach to the outside of the abdomen. This is often done to provide a means of feeding for individuals who cannot swallow food by mouth due to an obstruction, surgery, or neurological conditions affecting swallowing.

Jejunostomy

A Jejunostomy is the surgical creation of an opening from the jejunum (part of the small intestine) to the abdominal wall. It is often used for long-term feeding directly into the small intestine when oral or gastric routes are not possible.

Conclusion

-ostomies are critical surgical procedures that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with various medical conditions. They require careful management and education for patients and their families to handle the stoma and care for it properly.