After the operation

When you wake after the operation it is likely that you will be attached to a number of different devices to help support the functions of your body. These may include:

• an intravenous drip – which is used to give your body fluids,
• a feeding tube – which is used to give your body nutrients, and
• a catheter – which is a tube that is inserted into your bladder and it used to remove urine.

It is likely that you will only need to use these devices for between 3-6 days.

You will also be wearing your first colostomy pouch (also called colostomy bag) that will be attached to your stoma. This pouch is likely to be much larger than the pouches that you will use when you leave hospital, so you should not be alarmed.

Stoma nurse

When you are in hospital you will be introduced to your stoma nurse. The nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma, including emptying and changing the pouch, and keeping your colostomy equipment clean. The nurse will also explain the different types of equipment that are available for you, and how you go about obtaining new supplies.

Colostomy equipment

There is a wide rang of different pouches that you can use such as:

• a one piece pouch – which either consists of a disposable pouch that you can remove when full, or drain as necessary, and
• a two piece pouch – which consists of a semi-permanent stoma attachment that you wear for between 5-7 days, which can be attached to disposable pouches as required.

Colostomy pouches are made from hypoallergenic (non-allergic) material in order to reduce skin irritation, and they contain special wafers that ensure that the pouch does not release any unpleasant odours.

There are also additional products that can make living with a colostomy more convenient, such as:

• support belts and girdles,
• deodorisers that can be attached to your colostomy pouches,
• skin wipes, lotions, and creams,
• protective stoma rings, and
• specially designed underwear and swimwear.

Returning home

Most people are well enough to leave hospital five days after having laparoscopic surgery and 10-14 days after open surgery. After returning home, you should avoid any strenuous activities that could place a strain on your abdomen, such as lifting heavy objects. Your stoma nurse will be able to advise you about when it is safe to resume such activities.

In the first few weeks after the operation you may find that you experience symptoms of excessive flatulence (gas) and that the discharge from your stoma is unpredictable. However, these symptoms should improve as your bowel recovers from the effects of the operation.

Diet changes

Eating a balanced healthy diet following a colostomy is recommended. The diet plan should include five portions a day of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unless you have been advised to keep to a restricted diet, you should be able to enjoy the same diet you had before your colostomy. Even when you have a recommended restricted diet, this tends to be for a short period, after which you can return to your normal diet.

However, if following the colostomy, you experience problems with wind, or farting and belching, you should avoid eating food such as beans, broccoli, cheese, and beer.

Although colostomy pouches or bags are now designed to ensure odours cannot escape from them, if you are worried and want to prevent your bag smelling, you will need to include in your diet foods that have a natural deodorant. The foods in this category include yoghurt, cranberry juice, and apple sauce

Related Articles:

1. Complications of a colostomy
2. Living with a colostomy
3. Colostomy
4. How a colostomy is performed
5. The need for, and who requires a colostomy
6. Indigestion
7. Digestive disorder: Irritable bowel syndrome

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Related posts:

1. Colostomy
2. Who requires a colostomy?
3. How a colostomy is performed