A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste, such as stool or urine, to exit the body into a collection pouch. This procedure becomes necessary when a portion of the bowel or bladder needs to heal or be removed due to various medical conditions. A common question arises regarding whether this external opening possesses nerve endings and sensation.
The Stoma’s Unique Anatomy and Sensation
The stoma, formed from a section of the intestine, does not contain the same type of somatic nerve endings found in the skin. This means the stoma tissue does not feel pain, touch, or temperature in the way external skin does. The internal lining of the intestine, from which the stoma is constructed, is not designed for external sensation.
The stoma lacks the pain receptors present in typical skin. This absence of sensation means that even if the stoma is touched or cleaned, there is no direct feeling from the stoma tissue. This characteristic can also mean that an issue with the stoma, such as an ill-fitting appliance, might not cause immediate pain.
Distinguishing Stoma Sensation from Surrounding Areas
While the stoma tissue itself lacks typical external sensation, the surrounding abdominal skin retains its full array of nerve endings. Individuals can still feel pain, pressure, heat, cold, or itching on the skin around the stoma, also known as the peristomal skin. For example, irritation from an appliance or leakage onto the skin will cause discomfort and pain. Sensations perceived as originating from the stoma might actually be pressure or stimulation on the surrounding skin or deeper tissues.
Internal bowel activity, such as the movement of gas or stool, will still be felt as internal sensations. These feelings originate from the functional intestine within the body, which continues to have its own nerve supply, including stretch receptors. Individuals with a stoma can therefore still experience internal abdominal sensations like cramping or the urge to pass waste, even though the waste exits through the stoma.
Living with a Stoma: Understanding Everyday Sensations
Living with a stoma requires adapting to the absence of direct external sensation from the stoma itself. Individuals often rely on visual cues to monitor their stoma’s condition and output. They learn to manage their stoma care routine, including emptying and changing their pouch, without feeling direct sensation.
Any discomfort or pain experienced by an individual with a stoma stems from the surrounding skin, internal bowel activity, or other medical issues. For instance, a parastomal hernia, a bulge near the stoma, can cause a dull ache or dragging sensation. Individuals should regularly inspect their stoma and the surrounding skin for changes, such as redness, soreness, or swelling, and report these to a healthcare professional. While the stoma does not feel pain, persistent discomfort or unusual sensations around the stoma site or within the abdomen warrant medical evaluation.