Stoma Care
Stoma care refers to the specialized management and maintenance of a stoma, which is an opening created surgically on the abdomen to divert bodily waste. Stomas are typically created as a result of various medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal diseases, bladder dysfunction, or certain types of cancer.
By focusing on stoma care, our specialized nursing team helps patients adapt to and manage their stoma effectively, promoting their well-being and independence.
What is a Stoma?
A stoma is a round or oval opening in your abdomen where a small part of your digestive tract – typically the small intestine – is brought to the surface and kept in place to facilitate waste removal from your body. A stoma is usually created after a surgical procedure to treat an injury or condition that affects your bowels. You must use a bag to collect any waste your body expels.
Common stomas include:
- Colostomy : A part of your large intestine or the colon is used to form the stoma.
- Ileostomy : A part of your small intestine or the ileum will be used to form the stoma.
- Urostomy : Also known as an ileal conduit, this procedure removes part of the ileum and connects it to the ureters, bypassing the bladder to allow urine to drain directly from the kidneys and out the stoma.
What is a Stoma Needed?
Stomas are essential to help with a variety of digestive-related conditions. These may include:
- Any trauma to the abdomen or digestive system, such as an injury
- Treating various health complications, including bowel cancer and Crohn’s disease
- Genetic disorders that affect your digestive system
- Neurological disorders disrupting your digestive functions
What Does a Healthy Stoma Look Like?
Immediately after surgery, your stoma will first look swollen with noticeable stitches; you may also feel some discomfort in the area. Rest assured that this is normal: the stoma will slowly shrink into a smaller, more manageable size while the stitches gradually dissolve. Occasionally, you may feel your stitches pull against your skin, causing some discomfort. You should notify a nurse as soon as possible when this happens so that they can check on your stoma, especially if you are experiencing substantial discomfort or pain.
After some time, your stoma will appear pinkish or reddish while appearing slightly moist and shiny; this is how a healthy stoma will look. It is also quite delicate, so it may bleed when you clean it; this is also normal, but if you are bleeding profusely, seek medical attention immediately. It is also perfectly normal for its size and shape to change over time, so you must check its size regularly to ensure your stoma bag properly fits when attached to the stoma.
The colour of your stoma can also give you an indication of its current condition. Dark red or purplish stomas may indicate bruising has happened, while pale pink stomas are a sign of poor blood flow. Rest assured, you will be taught to identify the signs that your stoma needs medical attention.
Are Stomas Permanent?
Some stomas are temporary and reversible via surgery; your doctor will inform you when this is possible. In more severe cases, such as surgery to remove parts of your lower digestive tract due to a severe condition, the stoma will be a permanent part of your life. You will typically be notified if your stoma will be temporary or otherwise before surgery; the medical team will provide support and advice to help you cope with your life with a temporary or permanent stoma.
Our Stoma Care Services:
Pre-op counselling
We provide information, support, and guidance to those who are about to undergo a surgical procedure. This is to better help patients understand the procedure, its potential risks and benefits, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Pre-op stoma siting
This is an assessment that involves considering factors such as the patient's anatomy, medical condition, lifestyle, and potential impact on future appliance management. By carefully selecting the stoma site before surgery, it is to promote the best possible outcomes for the patient, including comfort, functionality, and ease of care.
Post-op stoma teaching
This involves teaching the patient how to properly care for and manage their stoma, including techniques for cleaning, applying appliances, and dealing with potential issues. It helps patients adapt to living with a stoma and maintain their quality of life.
Post-op stoma care
This service includes cleaning the stoma and surrounding skin, applying and changing stoma appliances, monitoring for any signs of complications or irritation, and addressing issues like leakage or skin irritation. It aims to promote the health and well-being of individuals with a stoma, enabling them to adapt to their new situation and live comfortably with their condition.
Caregiver training
Caregiver training equips caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide proper care, manage medications, assist with activities of daily living, and address the unique needs of the care recipient. It aims to enhance the caregiver's ability to provide safe and effective care while also considering their own well-being.
We also manage complications such as:
Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that forms between two organs, vessels, or body cavities. This condition is usually caused by infection, surgery, or inflammation. It can lead to the passage of fluids, gases, or stool through unintended routes, leading to potential complications.
Enterocutaneous
This is an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract and the skin. It can develop due to various conditions such as surgery, trauma, or infection. Treatment for this condition needs careful management and can include nutritional support, wound care, and close monitoring to promote healing and prevent complications.
Erosion
Erosion can develop due to factors like friction, pressure, or exposure to irritants. It can lead to skin breakdown, discomfort, or infection. Proper wound or stoma care, including appropriate cleansing, protective barriers, and management of contributing factors, is crucial to preventing and treating erosion.
Prolapsed stoma
A prolapsed stoma occurs when the stoma protrudes or extends beyond the normal level of the abdominal wall. This can happen due to weak abdominal muscles, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or complications after surgery.
Retracted stoma
A retracted stoma happens when the stoma is sunken and below skin level, making it less prominent or difficult to manage. This can cause challenges in proper appliance fitting, leading to leakage, skin irritation, or difficulty in stoma care.
Peristomal skin
This is most often caused by the skin around being irritated by either the stoma output or stoma appliances. Therefore It is important to keep the peristomal skin clean, dry, and healthy to prevent skin irritation, infection, or other complications.
Peristomal hernia
This is a type of hernia that develops in the area surrounding a stoma. It occurs when a portion of the intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Peristomal hernias can cause bulging, discomfort, or difficulties in managing stoma appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still drive with a stoma?
Yes, you can, but you must ensure your safety belt does not get in the way of your stoma bag. Ideally, you should wait until at least six weeks after your surgery before you start driving again. You may also want to speak to your motor insurer about your current insurance policy and whether it covers your condition.
Can anyone get a stoma reversal?
Colostomies and ileostomies typically allow a stoma reversal, but this may depend on various factors. The surgical procedure involves reattaching the stoma to either the colon or the small bowel and closing up the stoma site. Your doctor will only consider you for a stoma reversal if you have “good anal sphincter muscle control,” have a healthy bowel or rectum, and are currently in good health.
Am I not allowed to eat my favourite foods?
We believe that everything should be in moderation, including food. We would advise that you keep an open mind about what you can and cannot eat; it helps to start small when trying new things or if consuming foods that are considered “risky” for those with stomas. That way, you can have better control over your dietary requirements without completely giving up on foods you enjoy eating.
Our Care Team
Director
Ms Esther Thng
- Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist / Enterostomal Therapy Nurse
- Expertise: Proficient in managing chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure injuries, skilled in various treatment modalities to promote wound healing and a recognized speaker, both nationally and internationally, sharing knowledge in wound and stoma care.
Medical Advisors
Dr Leong Hoe Nam
- Infectious Disease Physician
- Rophi Clinic
Medical Advisors
Dr Cheng Shin Chuen
- General, Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
- Cheng SC Vein and Endovascular Clinic
Contact Us
Have Questions? Interested to Join Our family?
Get In Touch!
- Royal Square Medical Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road #17-11
Singapore 329565 - Contact: 6397 2456
Fax: 6264 0225 - admin@sozo.com.sg
- Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat - Sun: Closed