What Is The Difference

[jennyjoan]

My dad had what I thought was a colostomy when he got his bowel removed many years ago - was reading an article there of a guy who was denied a toilet - he said he had an ileostomy (which I thought was for the urine) - what's the difference. I'm also thinking a Stoma is the colostomy - really don't know.

Thanks

[Mamyalynne]

C&P

//A colostomy indicates that the opening is from the colon. Some type of appliance or bag is required to collect the waste. There are various types of colostomies. The physician and surgeon recommend the appropriate one for each patient.

An ileostomy involves bringing the ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) to the abdominal surface. When waste matter reaches the ileum it is liquid, so an appliance is needed to collect it. //


Stoma (meaning mouth) is the actual opening.

[Jackdaw33]

The Ileum and the Colon are two different parts of the intestines.

[Buenchico]

'Stoma' is a general term for an opening into the body. There are three types:

A colostomy is an opening into the large bowel.

An ileostomy is an opening into the small bowel.

A urostomy diverts urine (but actually uses a piece of the small bowel to do do).

http://www.dansac.co.uk/en-gb/livingwithstoma/whatisastoma#

[jennyjoan]

thanks Mamy - but find it hard to understand really - particularly the ileostomy -

[Mamyalynne]

It you have any of the above you can get a card to enable more easy access to toilet facilities.

[Mamyalynne]

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ileostomy/

[jennyjoan]

Thanks to the rest of you replied.

Sista told me of a girl who her and I know - has cancer and has the two bags (God bless us) - some weeks ago she went into town and the two bags filled up at the same time - she has said she will never go into town again.

[Jackdaw33]

Stoma (gen. stomatos) is Greek for mouth, hence an opening.

[Mamyalynne]

It isn't always easy to cope, I was amazed how my Husband managed even when things went awry - she should be able to access an adviser to help.

[Peter Pedant]

what is the difference

ileostomy - the ileum is taken to the skin
colostomy ( bit further down ) the colon is taken to the skin.

Ileum is upstream and the colon is a bit further down.

and they are separated by the ileocaecal valve and that is a big deal.
( I mean they look different under a microscope and in the dissecting room )

Ileostomy works 24 h a day - and I have to say I found having one a real pain. I used to roll on it asleep ( bag splat ) and wake up with 'it' all over the place and in my hair. The bags are different - stuff is always liquid

Colostomy settles down and works a few times a day - and so if you are regular - you can wear a pad most of the time. solid

in treatment terms - the defunctioning ileostomy is used to give the gut a rest. I asked about a defunctioning colostomy and the surgeon said no.

[jennyjoan]

Thanks Peter and am sorry to hear of your difficulties.