About Prolapsed Stoma
The root causes of prolapsed stoma include:
- Increased pressure inside the abdomen: This can happen from things like chronic (long-term) coughing, straining (pushing too hard) during bowel movements, or heavy lifting.
- Extra movement of the bowel: If the tissue that holds the bowel in place, called the mesentery, is too loose or moves too much, it can lead to the bowel pushing through the stoma opening.
- Large opening in the abdominal wall: When the stoma is created, if the opening in the abdominal wall is too large, it can increase the chance of a prolapse happening.
Risk factors for prolapsed stoma include:
- Chronic constipation: Regularly straining during bowel movements because of chronic constipation can increase the risk of stoma prolapse.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the abdomen, increasing the chance of stoma prolapse.
- Smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process after stoma surgery and increase the risk of problems.
It is important to note that these are just some of the risk factors, and personal situations may be different. It is a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
The most common early symptoms of a prolapsed stoma include:
- Unusual swelling or the stoma sticking out more than usual
- Skin irritation around the stoma
- Difficulty fitting appliances, such as an ostomy bag or pouch
- Bleeding
- Discomfort around the stoma
As the prolapsed stoma progresses or reaches higher severity, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Strangulation: When tissue is squeezed tightly, blocking blood flow
- Incarceration: When the prolapsed tissue gets trapped in the body
- Obstruction: A blockage that stops stool from passing out of the body
It's important to note that less severe prolapses may not cause symptoms, but severe prolapse can lead to serious problems, such as loss of blood flow (ischemia), blockage (obstruction), and trapped tissue (incarceration). If you have any concerning symptoms or have questions about your condition, it's best to get medical help right away.
To diagnose prolapsed stoma, the following exams, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will do a full check-up, carefully looking at the stoma and gently pushing it back into place if needed.
Remember, these are general descriptions of exams, tests, and procedures. Your doctor will determine which ones are needed based on your individual case.
The goals of treatment for prolapsed stoma include:
- Correcting the prolapse and putting the stoma back in its usual position
- Relieving symptoms such as discomfort, pain, and trouble handling the stoma
- Preventing problems such as tissue death or bleeding of the prolapsed intestine
Treatment options for prolapsed stoma may include:
- Manual correction: This involves gently pushing the prolapsed part of the intestine back into place. However, this approach may not be a long-term fix.
- Surgical treatment: If non-surgical methods don’t work or if the prolapse is serious, surgery might be needed. Surgical options for prolapsed stoma include:
- Resection: The surgeon removes the prolapsed part of the stoma and stiches a different section of the intestine to create a new stoma.
- Relocation: The surgeon opens the abdomen and moves the stoma to a new area on the abdomen.
- Revision: The surgeon may place something inside the stoma, like a thin tube or sleeve, to help hold it in place and keep it from slipping out again.
It's important to talk with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for a prolapsed stoma. They will consider things like how severe the prolapse is, your overall health, and your personal preferences.