What Is a Stoma?
A stoma is an opening created on the abdomen so that stool (or urine) can leave the body into a bag when the normal route cannot be used. Stomas may be temporary or permanent, and most people learn to manage the bag confidently with training and support.
In this video, Dr Chintamani Godbole explains what a stoma is, why it is created, the difference between temporary and permanent stomas, what a colostomy is, and how to manage and maintain a stoma bag.
Watch on YouTube: Stoma care by Dr Chintamani Godbole
Why is a stoma made?
A stoma may be needed after surgery for colon or rectal cancer, to protect a bowel join while it heals, in inflammatory bowel disease, for bowel blockage or perforation, or after injury. Many stomas are temporary and are closed later.
Dr Chintamani Godbole explains that a stoma is created when waste cannot leave the body through the rectum in the usual way, for example after surgery that removes or bypasses part of the large intestine.
Types of stoma
- Colostomy: an opening made from the large intestine (colon). Stools are usually more formed.
- Ileostomy: an opening made from the small intestine (ileum). Output is looser and more frequent.
- Urostomy: an opening for urine, made in some bladder surgeries.
Temporary vs permanent: A temporary stoma, common after rectal cancer surgery, is reversed after healing or after completing treatment such as chemotherapy. A permanent stoma is needed only when the bowel cannot be reconnected, for example in some low rectal tumours.
In the video, Dr Godbole walks through the difference between temporary and permanent stomas and explains that a colostomy can be either. (Watch from 1:15 – Types of stomas)
What does a healthy stoma look like?
It is usually pink to red, moist and slightly raised, and it has no nerve supply so it does not hurt. It swells after surgery and shrinks over the first six to eight weeks. The bag fit may need adjusting as it does.
Types of stoma bags
One-piece systems have the bag and adhesive base joined. Two-piece systems have a separate base plate and bag that clips on. Drainable bags have an opening at the bottom, common for ileostomy; closed bags are discarded when full, common for colostomy.
Dr Chintamani Godbole advises that understanding how to manage and maintain the stoma bag properly is vital for comfort and well-being, and explains that a bag is attached to the stoma right after surgery.
How to change a stoma bag? Step by step:
- Gather supplies: new bag, scissors, measuring guide, adhesive remover, soft wipes, disposal bag.
- Empty the old bag and gently peel off the base plate from top to bottom, supporting the skin.
- Clean the skin with warm water and pat dry. Avoid heavy soaps and oils that stop adhesive sticking.
- Check the skin and stoma colour.
- Measure the stoma and cut the opening slightly larger than the stoma, about 2 to 3 mm.
- Apply the new base plate smoothly and hold your hand over it for about a minute to warm the adhesive.
- Attach the bag and close or clip it.
Empty the bag when it is about one-third to half full. Base plates are generally changed every few days depending on the type, and sooner if there is leakage or itching. Your stoma nurse will give the exact schedule.
Skin care and preventing leaks
Keep the opening cut to the right size, keep the skin dry before applying, use barrier products if advised, and change promptly at the first sign of itching or burning. Persistent redness or broken skin needs a stoma nurse’s review.
Diet and daily living
With a colostomy, most people return to a normal diet gradually and note which foods cause gas or loose stools.
With an ileostomy, chew food well, drink plenty of fluids, and be careful with high-fibre or stringy foods (for example nuts, popcorn, skins) in the early weeks because they can block the stoma.
Other points: filters and deodorising products reduce odour and gas, showering is possible with the bag on or off, special support belts may help reduce hernia risk, and most people return to work, travel and light exercise. Avoid heavy lifting early on unless your surgeon says otherwise.
Possible problems
- Skin irritation or leakage
- Parastomal hernia (a bulge around the stoma)
- Stoma prolapse or retraction
- Narrowing of the stoma
- High output with dehydration (mainly ileostomy)
- Blockage
When to call your doctor
Contact your surgeon or stoma nurse promptly for a stoma that turns dark purple or black, bleeding that does not stop, no output with cramps and vomiting, very high watery output with dizziness or dry mouth, a worsening bulge, fever, or skin that breaks down.
Can a stoma be reversed?
Temporary stomas are usually closed after the bowel has healed or after cancer treatment is complete, often a few months later, depending on the individual plan.
Support
A stoma therapist (ostomy nurse) can teach bag changes and help find the right products. Patient support groups can help with day-to-day questions.
FAQs
What is a stoma in simple words?
A surgically created opening on the abdomen that lets stool or urine leave the body into a bag.
Is a stoma painful?
The stoma itself has no pain nerves. Soreness around it usually means a skin problem or poor bag fit.
How often should a stoma bag be changed?
It varies with the system. Drainable bags are emptied several times a day and base plates are usually changed every few days. Follow your stoma nurse’s advice.
What is the difference between colostomy and ileostomy?
A colostomy comes from the large bowel and usually passes formed stool. An ileostomy comes from the small bowel and passes looser output.
Can I eat normally with a stoma?
Mostly yes, with some adjustments, especially for ileostomy.
Will I need a permanent stoma after rectal cancer surgery?
Not always. Many stomas after rectal cancer surgery are temporary.
Can I swim or exercise with a stoma?
Yes, once healed and with your doctor’s approval, using a secure bag and a suitable cover.
For consultation, contact Dr. Chintamani Godbole
Call: 84518 65944
