Stomas

Question 1

What is a stoma?

Answer 1

External opening of a luminated organ.

Question 2

What is a loop stoma?

Answer 2

2 parts of the bowel at the surface (often to rest distal bowel).

Question 3

What is an end stoma?

Answer 3

1 part of the bowel at the surface (often as a result of surgery to remove the distal bowel.

Question 4

What are the features of an ileostomy?

Answer 4

Usually spouted (to prevent alkaline small bowel contents irritating the skin).
Often on RHS.
Smaller diameter than colostomy.
Dark pink/red.
Passes more liquid substance.

Question 5

What are the features of a colostomy?

Answer 5

Usually flush.
Often on LHS.
Larger diameter. 
Light pink in colour.
Passes more faecal matter.

Question 6

What should you look for when inspecting a stoma?

Answer 6

Good perfusion.
Check for prolapse.
Check bag production (concern of stricture if little volume).

Question 7

What should you feel for when palpating a stoma?

Answer 7

Check for parastomal herniae.

Digitate to check for stricture if concerned of blockage.

Question 8

What are the possible complications of a stoma?

Answer 8

Oedema (common, no treatment).
Ischaemia.
Obstruction. 
Prolapse.
Herniae.