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Learn MoreThe more you know about your digestive system and your colostomy surgery, the better your frame of mind before and after the procedure. Learn the essential facts here.
If you are about to have, or have recently had colostomy surgery, you may have questions about your digestive system and your procedure. Below are a few fundamentals about how your body digests foods and liquids, and what happens during and after colostomy surgery.
Your gastrointestinal (GI) system
Here’s what happen when you chew your food and swallow it:
The small intestine, which is about 20 feet long, is where most digestion takes place. Vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are all absorbed into your body through your small intestine. Any food not absorbed in the small intestine goes into the large intestine as liquid waste or stool.
Your large intestine, also called the colon, is divided into four parts with different names: ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid. It’s about five to six feet long, and has two main purposes: absorb water from your stool, and store your stool until you have a bowel movement
What is a colostomy?
A colostomy is an opening into the colon through the abdomen created during surgery. This opening allows stool to bypass the diseased or damaged part of your colon. A colostomy may be created at almost any point on the colon. It may be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical reason for the surgery.
To create a colostomy, your surgeon brings part of your colon through the abdominal wall. This new opening on the abdomen is called a stoma. Two common types of colostomies are a transverse colostomy and a sigmoid colostomy, named for the location of the opening.
Four important points to remember:
Now that you know the basics about you’re the digestive system and colostomy surgery, explore what you need to know about ostomy pouching systems.
It’s important to know some key facts about your digestive system and your ileostomy. Get some vital information about your ileostomy procedure.
Read MoreCollin, an ileostomate and athlete, shares his tips for getting back to exercise, re-building your abdominal core, and helping prevent parastomal hernias.
Read MoreThere are three types of ostomies, or stomas, that are the most common. Learn what makes them different from each other.
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Prior to use, be sure to read the Instructions for Use for information regarding Intended Use, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions, and Instructions.
The information provided herein is not medical advice and is not intended to substitute for the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare provider. This information should not be used to seek help in a medical emergency. If you experience a medical emergency, seek medical treatment in person immediately.
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