A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows bodily waste, such as feces or urine, to exit the body. This opening is necessary when the digestive or urinary system is affected by illness, injury, or certain medical conditions, preventing waste from passing through its usual pathway. The creation of a stoma diverts the flow of waste into a collection pouch worn externally on the body. It enables the body to eliminate waste effectively.
Understanding Stoma Output
Stoma output refers to the bodily waste, either feces or urine, that exits through the surgically created stoma. The waste passes through the stoma and is collected in an external pouch, commonly known as an ostomy bag, which adheres to the skin around the stoma. This system ensures waste is contained safely and hygienically, allowing individuals to manage their bodily functions. The body continuously produces output, requiring regular emptying or changing of the collection pouch.
Types of Stoma Outputs
The characteristics of stoma output vary depending on the type of stoma created, which is determined by the specific part of the digestive or urinary system involved.
Colostomy output typically resembles regular bowel movements, ranging from semi-formed to more solid stool. Its consistency depends on where in the large intestine the stoma is located; the closer to the rectum, the more formed the stool tends to be. The color is usually brown, similar to natural feces. A colostomy functions less frequently than other stoma types, often producing output one to three times a day.
Ileostomy output, originating from the small intestine, is generally liquid to pasty in consistency. This is because the waste bypasses the large intestine, which absorbs water. The output is often continuous and can be yellow-green to brownish in color. Due to digestive enzymes, ileostomy output can be irritating to the surrounding skin if not managed properly.
Urostomy output is urine, similar to what would be naturally voided, but it often contains small amounts of mucus. This mucus is a normal byproduct from the segment of the intestine used to create the pathway for urine diversion. Unlike fecal output, urostomy output is constant, reflecting the continuous production of urine by the kidneys.
Factors Influencing Stoma Output
The appearance, consistency, and volume of stoma output can fluctuate due to several factors. Diet plays a role, as different foods affect waste formation. For instance, high-fiber foods might increase bulk, while greasy foods could lead to looser output. Hydration levels also directly impact output; insufficient fluid intake can lead to thicker, more concentrated waste, especially for ileostomies which lose more water.
Certain medications can alter output characteristics; laxatives, for example, increase fluidity, while anti-diarrheals can make output thicker. The specific location of the stoma and the underlying health condition that necessitated its creation also influence the nature of the output. For instance, an ileostomy higher up in the small intestine typically produces more liquid output. Physical movement can sometimes influence bowel motility and the rate at which waste moves through the system.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Recognizing signs of a potential problem with stoma output allows for timely medical intervention. A sudden, drastic change in the volume, consistency, or color of the output warrants attention; this could include persistently watery output, unusually thick waste, or dark green/black output not attributable to recent dietary intake. The complete absence of output for an extended period, such as four to six hours or more for an ileostomy, requires immediate medical evaluation.
Unusual or foul odors that are new or significantly stronger than usual should be noted. Any persistent presence of blood in the stoma output needs attention. If changes in output are accompanied by other symptoms like fever, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe abdominal pain, excessive cramping, or signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth or dizziness), contact a healthcare professional, such as an ostomy nurse or doctor. Early intervention helps prevent complications.