Ostomy surgery is a life-changing procedure that is necessary for many individuals facing serious medical conditions. Whether it is a urostomy, ileostomy, or colostomy, these procedures help patients regain function and improve their quality of life when traditional treatments are not sufficient. Understanding the causes of ostomy surgery can help individuals prepare for the procedure and manage their recovery effectively.

Complications Associated with Ostomies

Complications can arise due to both patient-related and surgical factors:

Patient-Related Factors

Advanced age (>60 years)
Obesity (BMI >30)
Smoking and diabetes
Poor nutritional status
Underlying cardiac, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions

Medical and Surgical Risk Factors

Emergency surgery
Malignancy-related surgery
Poor surgical technique or lack of preoperative stoma nurse consultation
Chemotherapy and corticosteroid therapy
Preoperative radiation exposure

Complications Associated with Ostomies

Stoma-related complications are common and can be categorized as early or late:

Early Complications:

Leakage and skin irritation
High-output stoma leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Stoma necrosis due to compromised blood supply

Late Complications:

Parastomal hernia: A bulge around the stoma due to weakened abdominal muscles.
Stoma prolapse: The intestine protrudes excessively through the stoma opening.
Stoma stenosis: Narrowing of the stoma, leading to obstruction.

Causes of a Urostomy

Most commonly required due to bladder removal caused by cancer.
Other causes include:
- Severe trauma or accidental damage to the urinary system.
- Advanced kidney disease affecting urinary function.
- Chronic urinary incontinence that cannot be managed through other treatments.
- Complications from pelvic or abdominal surgery requiring urine diversion.

01

Cancer and Tumor-Related Obstruction

Colorectal and bladder cancer often necessitate ostomy formation due to tumor-related obstruction or surgical removal of the affected organ.

02

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause severe bowel damage, leading to the need for an ostomy.

03

Diverticular Disease

Complications such as perforation or abscess formation may require a colostomy.

The primary causes for ostomy creation include:

Causes Of Ostomy

Ostomy is a common surgical procedure performed as either a temporary or permanent measure to manage various medical conditions, typically involving the digestive or urinary systems. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and stoma care, complications remain prevalent. Patients with stoma-related complications often require emergency care, hence having a fundamental knowledge of ostomies, their types, and potential complications is important.

04

Trauma and Bowel Perforation

Severe abdominal injuries or spontaneous bowel perforations may necessitate an emergency ostomy.

05

Radiation Enteritis

Damage from radiation therapy can impair bowel function, making ostomy creation necessary.

06

Anastomotic Protection and Leakage Management

Temporary ostomies are sometimes created to protect healing anastomoses or manage anastomotic leaks.

Causes of a Ileostomy

Performed when the small intestine is damaged or removed.
Common causes include:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Diverticulitis, causing infection or complications.
- Tumors leading to intestinal blockages.
- Temporary ileostomy may be required to allow the intestines to heal after surgery.

Causes of a Colostomy

Most frequently performed due to colorectal cancer.
Other causes include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the large intestine.
- Severe injury to the colon requiring surgical intervention.
- Stool incontinence that cannot be managed through conventional treatments.
- Temporary colostomy may be needed to allow healing after surgery.