Health is a serious matter and undergoing certain clinical or surgical procedures at some stage is part of our life. Whether it’s routine in a check-up or for a specific event, aiming to ascertain or repair some irregularity, a visit to the doctor can happen at one time or another.

Such procedures range from the simplest to the most complex, from the most basic to the most advanced, such as, for example, a colostomy which is a very common procedure despite the name.

After hearing this name, which may be the first time you are hearing it, you must be wondering: but what is a colostomy?

We will help you find out from now on. Come with me…

What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure used to connect a part of the large intestine to the abdominal wall, with the aim of allowing the exit of feces through an external bag.

More clearly, it consists of the externalization of a small piece of the intestine, through the abdominal wall, so that the intestine functions normally.

This type of procedure is performed when there is a problem that prevents the evacuation of feces naturally, through the anus.

Generally, this technique is used as part of the surgical treatment of some health problems, such as diverticulitis, obstructions and even in cancers of the gastrointestinal system.

Being more direct, it is a resource that serves to divert the transit of feces which, as said a little while ago, cannot be eliminated by performing the process of digestion and natural evacuation.

Despite being frequent in a situation seen as delicate, the colostomy, is used in cases also of less complexity for a short period of time. That is, the patient only uses the bag during the recovery period after surgery in the anal or intestinal region.

However, in a more serious occurrence, such as in cases of obstruction of part of the intestine, the bag is kept for a longer period.

The most common types of colostomies

However, there are other types of colostomies, among them the following stand out:

• Simple or terminal colostomy: When only the segment of intestine that carries the feces is externalized.
• Double barrel or loop colostomy: The two segments of the intestine (the one that carries the feces and the one that would receive) are externalized together through the same place, leaving the colostomy with “two mouths”.

When is this procedure indicated?

Although it is, most of the time, directly linked to intestinal problems, the colostomy may be necessary in other situations.

Recapping, primarily, it is used in situations that prevent the person from evacuating naturally, but, note the other cases:

• Non-existent anal opening;
• Blocked anus;
• Partial or total intestinal blockage;
• Colorectal cancer;
• Wounds and fistulas in the perineum;
• Severe intestinal infection;
• Severe inflammation of the colon;
• Familial adenomatous polyposis;
• Ulcerative rectocolitis.

What are the risks and benefits of colostomy surgery?

Even though it is a surgical procedure that somewhat takes our life out of normality, with more visits than usual to the hospital, going through moments like this can save our lives.

And every change brings with it risks and benefits, especially when we are referring to health which is a topic that cannot go unnoticed, even if it is of lesser complexity.

The colostomy, for example, like any other surgical procedure, has its degree of risk to be considered, however, there is also its benefit side.

Benefits

Its main benefit is to enable the return to normality of daily life. It allows the patient to perform all the activities he needs, whether personal or professional.

It literally means going back to living as before. Obviously, always paying special attention to the care that all post-surgical health status requires.

However, it is necessary to direct some attention to the risks that every surgical procedure brings, not because we are talking about colostomy, but in any type of surgical intervention.

Risks

The risks are due to complications that occasionally occur after the procedure, almost always at the site of the opening or cut of the stomach, the most recurrent complications being:

• Bleeding;
• Infections;
• Necrosis;
• Retraction;
• Dermatitis;
• Prolapse;
• Hernia.

What complications can occur with the colostomy?

The complications originated after the colostomy procedure can be in two ways, early or late.

Early complications usually occur immediately in the post-surgical period, being skin irritations, as well as the formation of hematomas that unfortunately appear at the site of the opening, or ostomy as it is known.

Late complications usually present themselves in a slightly longer period after surgery. The most frequent are:

• Stenosis: is the development of an excess of skin after the healing of the stoma;
• Ostomy prolapse: when part of the intestine is left out, caused by poor fixation of the stoma;
• Paraestomal hernia: swelling of the intestine under the skin due to the opening of the muscle tissue;
• Ostomy retraction: when the stoma is pulled into the abdomen due to tension;
• Necrosis: is the death of tissues at the site;
• Hemorrhage: loss of blood due to rupture of blood vessels near the site.

Care after surgeries

The care is the same normally employed in other surgical procedures, that is, from the use of medications and hygiene of the site aiming at its rapid healing to the protection of the stoma. In addition, whenever possible, expose the skin to the sun for a maximum of 20 minutes a day.

Want to know more, visit the website of the Brazilian Association of Ostomized (https://www.ostomizados.com/associacoes/associacoes.html).

These measures contribute significantly to the gradual return to normality.

An extra tip is always to keep an eye on the guidelines available in some information vehicles, especially on the internet that can give us a little help at any time, and about that, take the opportunity to follow the Gastroblog.

Follow our posts and get your doubts answered with the best possible guidance.

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Bariatric surgeries are an increasingly common option for those who struggle with chronic obesity. Although it is effective in promoting significant weight loss, this procedure also involves some risks. Therefore, anyone interested in the procedure needs to arm themselves with information before deciding on surgery.

In this article, we will show some points to consider before opting for bariatric surgery, including possible risks, types of bariatric surgeries, and indications.

What is bariatric surgery and how is it performed?

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly performed procedure, aimed at weight loss. It is indicated for people who cannot lose weight through conventional methods, such as diets and exercises. In bariatric surgeries, the surgeon alters the anatomy of the stomach and intestine to induce weight loss, and currently, there are two main types of procedures.

Vertical gastroplasty or sleeve

This method removes part of the stomach, leaving it in a tube shape, reducing its volume, without causing changes in the intestine. It is a type of surgery that leads to a decrease in the volume of food that the patient can ingest, leading to weight loss. Because of this mechanism, this type of surgery is called restrictive.

Gastric bypass or Reducing gastroplasty (Capella Surgery)

In this method, the stomach is separated by staples into two parts, leaving a small part connected to the esophagus (gastric reservoir), and the larger part separated from the rest. An anastomosis (junction) is also performed between the small intestine and this small part that remained of the stomach, causing the ingested food to end up “skipping an initial part of the intestine, decreasing its absorption. Thus the amount of food ingested is small (restrictive surgery), and its absorption decreased (disabsorptive surgery), being therefore the mechanism of weight loss of this type of surgery called mixed.

What to evaluate before the surgical procedure?

Bariatric surgery can be an effective way to treat obesity, but it is important to understand the risks and limitations before making this important decision. Therefore, patients should know all the facts about bariatric surgery, so that they can consciously decide if this is the best.

It is recommended to seek guidance from the doctor so that he can explain the risks involved. It is also important to remember that there will be a lifestyle change after the procedure. That is, the patient will need to follow a controlled diet and it will also be necessary to abandon sedentary lifestyle.

Bariatric surgery has different options, which should be discussed with the doctor to determine which one best suits the patient and their goals. In addition, the procedure also requires physical and mental preparation, so that the body and mind can cope well with the effects of the operation.

Evaluate your BMI

Bariatric surgery is an important option for weight loss, but before any decision, it is important to remember that it is vital to evaluate the patient’s BMI (Body Mass Index). This index is used to assess weight in relation to the patient’s height, and determine the nutritional status and diagnose obesity.

The BMI is calculated by dividing body weight by height squared. If the result of the BMI is between 25 and 30 the patient is overweight, if between 30 to 35 is considered with obesity grade I, between 35 and 40 obesity grade II and above 40 obesity grade III.

Bariatric surgeries today are indicated for patients with BMI between 35 and 40 who have comorbidities (diseases related to obesity) such as diabetes and arthrosis, and for everyone above BMI 40.

Important: For the patient to be considered fit to undergo surgery, the BMI needs to have been stable for at least 2 years.

Which surgery to choose?

This decision is based on BMI, patient characteristics, and surgeon’s choice. In general, vertical gastrectomy is the choice for patients who need less weight loss, and because it does not have anastomoses, it has a lower surgical risk. Reducing gastroplasty, on the other hand, is reserved for patients who need greater weight loss, but has risks of complications greater than vertical gastrectomy.

Before opting for the surgical procedure you need to have constant multidisciplinary team (doctors, nutritionists, physical education professionals and others) follow-up to ensure that the results of bariatric surgery are satisfactory.

Understand the limitations resulting from surgery

Bariatric surgery should not be considered as the miraculous cure for obesity. It is just the first step of the patient in the weight loss journey. It will be necessary to have determination and strength, as it will need to carry out a restrictive diet, physical exercises, and constant health evaluations. Thus, without the total determination and support of the patient, the weight loss result cannot be achieved.

Consider the risks of bariatric surgery

Studies suggest that the main risk factor for complications is extreme obesity, but factors such as general health and smoking should also be considered when assessing the risk of developing complications. However, with technological advances and dedicated patient care, the risks of bariatric surgery are reduced, allowing more and more people to benefit from surgery.

Complications can be different for each type of surgery, but the most common are

• Postoperative pain;
• Bleeding;
• Infections;
• Fistula;
• Pulmonary embolism.

It is worth remembering that all these complications have treatment, therefore, bariatric surgeries are considered safe procedures.

Before the patient agrees to undergo a surgical procedure, he needs to understand that the postoperative period will have a very different reality. Normally, the body receives fewer nutrients, and therefore the patient may have anemia, hair loss and even dental problems.

Conclusion

Deciding on bariatric surgery for weight loss is not a simple choice. As we have seen, there are prerequisites that will assess whether the patient fits the profile of this type of procedure, and which is the best for him. The interested party also needs to evaluate the risks and postoperative care.

Before opting for bariatric surgery, pay attention to our content on the subject. Here on Gastroblog, we bring complete and detailed information about this surgery, so that you make the best decision and transform your life, without any doubt about the procedure.

In addition, it is very important that you always talk to your doctor if bariatric surgery is the best option for you.

An ileostomy is a type of ostomy performed to create a connection between the small intestine and the abdominal wall, allowing feces and gases to be directly eliminated into a pouch.

It is a procedure occasionally performed when the intestine is affected by diseases that require surgery so that feces do not pass through the large intestine.

Learn when ileostomy is necessary and what the main care is after this procedure.

When is ileostomy necessary?

Ileostomy is an ostomy that receives the prefix “ileo” because it is performed at the end of the small intestine.

In the procedure, a doctor makes an opening in the abdominal wall so that the body can eliminate feces without passing through the large intestine.

A patient may need an ileostomy in the following cases:

• Intestinal obstruction;
• Colon cancer;
• Abdominal trauma with emergency surgery;
• Severe inflammatory bowel disease.

What are the care with ileostomy?

It is essential that the patient receives guidance and counseling prior to the procedure, aiming to reduce future complications.

The healthcare professional should discuss important aspects, such as the costs involved in maintaining an ileostomy, sexual life, patient acceptance, and family support.

Furthermore, the doctor responsible for the surgery needs to deliver a plan presenting everything that must be done after hospital discharge, how the patient’s rehabilitation is done, and what the next steps will be. All so that the patient can have health and manage anxiety.

With ileostomy, feces become more acidic and more liquid, because they only travel through the small intestine, contributing to skin irritation. For this reason, continuously emptying the collection bag is essential.

In addition, care with ileostomy involves:

• Removing the bag and cleaning the skin whenever you feel any discomfort or itching;
• Applying medications directed by the doctor, such as barrier spray, to protect the skin and keep it healthy;
• Avoiding the bag filling up to full capacity;
• If it is necessary to dispose of feces, it is important to clean the inside of the bag with a little water;
• Not wearing tight clothes over the stoma and bag;
• Being aware of the durability of the bag, informed by the manufacturer;
• Testing bag models to find out which will be better.

What should the diet be like after this procedure?

After the ileostomy procedure, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet and follow the doctor’s instructions.

Very high-fiber foods, for example, should be avoided in the first 6 to 8 weeks to prevent obstructions. In general, the main instructions are:

• Drinking plenty of water and fluids in general;
• Chewing food very well.

Furthermore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of certain foods, such as:

• Pineapple;
• Skins of fruits and vegetables;
• Nuts and seeds;
• Coconut;
• Mushrooms;
• Peas;
• Popcorn;
• Green salads;
• Raisins, prunes, and dried fruits;
• Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Important: the restriction is temporary, and the patient can gradually reintroduce these foods, as directed by the doctor.

Clear all your doubts about ileostomy on EndoBlog

At EndoBlog, patients find various contents related to the digestive system, diseases, procedures such as ileostomy, exams such as upper endoscopy, as well as truthful information provided by gastroenterologists.

Browse the EndoBlog portal to clear your doubts about ileostomy and other procedures performed on the intestine.

Severe or morbid obesity is extremely dangerous to physical and mental health, therefore gastric reduction surgery is an option for people in this situation who have not had results even with various health treatment implementations.

The surgery can be called metabolic, since the organs involved in the procedure produce hormones, and the surgical alteration causes a hormonal balance, benefiting the obese patient in weight loss and in the control of diseases such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, and even hypertension (part of the plurimetabolic syndrome).

What are the types of bariatric surgery?

The types of bariatric surgery differ by their mechanism of action. Basically, they are categorized into:

Restrictive

This type of bariatric surgery is capable of reducing the amount of food that the stomach can hold. As a result, the patient feels satiated much faster and restricts the amount of food to be ingested.

It is the case of vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also known as Sleeve.

Mixed techniques (restrictive and malabsorptive)

Both techniques, when combined, also significantly decrease the amount of food that the stomach can hold. In addition, the stomach itself is reduced in size, as a short bypass of the intestine is performed during surgery.

It is known as gastric bypass surgery or Fobi-Capella surgery.

When to undergo this type of surgery?

To undergo the surgery, it is necessary:

• to have severe obesity, that is, to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40;
• to have obesity with a BMI of 35 and diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes;
• not to have severe psychopathological diseases, such as depression or alcoholism, to the point of being self-destructive;
• not to have problems with the heart, liver, kidney, or any other more serious disease.

Another important point is that, to undergo obesity surgery, the BMI must have been stable for 2 years, and the patient must have tried clinical treatments, such as diets, physical activities, and a complete change in lifestyle.

Main benefits of bariatric and metabolic surgery

Weight loss is the great benefit of undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery. With it, other underlying benefits arise, such as the prevention of serious health problems. This includes heart diseases and diabetes.

In addition, other diseases that can be prevented after surgery include:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• sleep apnea;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• joint pain;
• gout;
• heart diseases and their risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

To better understand bariatric surgery and check out other health tips and endoscopy, browse the EndoBlog site!

A colostomy is a procedure performed to connect part of the large intestine to the abdominal wall. The main goal is to allow the exit of feces directly into a bag in situations where natural evacuation is impeded.

The procedure is generally indicated after intestinal surgeries or when there are more serious health problems, such as cancer or complicated diverticulitis, and the fecal transit needs to be diverted.

In most cases, the colostomy is temporary, and the person remains with the bag long enough for the anal region and/or intestine to recover from some surgery.

On the other hand, some colostomies are permanent, especially when it was necessary to remove a large part of the intestine.

When is a colostomy indicated?

There are various situations in which a colostomy may be necessary. Basically, any condition that prevents the patient from evacuating naturally requires the procedure. Among the main causes, it is possible to mention:

• imperforate anus (nonexistent or blocked anal opening);
• partial or total intestinal blockage;
• colorectal cancer;
• fistulas or wounds in the perineum;
• severe inflammation in the colon;
• traumatic injury to the rectum or colon;

What are the types of colostomy?

The types of colostomy are:

Transverse Colostomy

• Performed on the transverse colon;
• The feces are semi-liquid and can cause skin irritation around the ostomy;
• It is usually temporary.

Ascending Colostomy

• Named so because it is done on the ascending colon;
• It is a less common type of ostomy;
• The patient continues to evacuate liquid or semi-liquid feces, which can lead to skin irritation.

Descending Colostomy

• Named so because it occurs in the descending colon;
• The feces are considered semi-formed and cause less irritation when in contact with the skin;
• It is the most common type of colostomy.

Sigmoid Colostomy

• Performed in the lower abdomen, where the large intestine is already approaching the rectum;
• The evacuated feces are considered formed and do not irritate the skin around the ostomy.

What are the benefits and risks?

Benefits

The main benefits involve enabling the evacuation of feces and allowing the patient to lead a normal life, carrying out all their daily activities.

Risks

There are some complications that can occur after the procedure, most of them at the site where the stoma is opened. In most cases, these complications involve:

• dermatitis;
• stenosis;
• hernia;
• infection around the stoma;
• necrosis;
• prolapse;
• retraction;
• bleeding.

Learn more about colostomy and other gastrointestinal procedures with EndoBlog

If you want to know more about colostomy and so many other procedures, as well as exams, performed on the gastrointestinal tract, follow EndoBlog.

EndoBlog frequently posts reliable and free content about colostomy, ostomy, endoscopy, colonoscopy, among other relevant topics to the digestive system.

The information conveyed on EndoBlog is vetted by specialist doctors (gastroenterologists), so it is trustworthy and reliable.

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Colectomy as a treatment for colon cancer is considered a major surgery as it involves the removal of part of the large intestine. Follow the main information about the procedure.

The colectomy procedure can be total or partial, where in the total, the entire colon is removed, while in the partial, only a portion of the intestine is taken out.

Colectomy: surgery for colon cancer

Colon cancer is considered common, being the second most prevalent among women and the third among men in Brazil. Colectomy, despite being invasive, is one of the most efficient and indicated treatments for this disease.

The main goal of colectomy is to remove the part of the colon affected by the tumor. However, depending on the severity of the case, other treatments, such as chemotherapy, may be administered concurrently, aiming to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

There are some situations where colectomy may not be sufficient and requires other treatments in conjunction. These include: inability to remove lymph nodes, metastasis, tumor extension greater than anticipated before surgery, colon obstruction, and perforation in the intestinal wall.

How colectomy is performed

The surgeon will perform an open or laparoscopic-assisted surgery.

• Open colectomy: performed through a single incision made in the abdomen.
• Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (video laparoscopy): in this case, the surgeon makes 3 or 4 incisions and places a camera to identify the diseased part and remove the affected portion of the colon.

For this, an instrument guided by a laparoscope is used, and when the surgeon manages to free the compromised part of the colon, detaching it from the digestive system, one of the small cuts is enlarged to enable removal.

This is a surgery that requires more preparation on the part of the patient, who must ingest laxatives on the eve of the procedure. On the other hand, as the incisions are smaller, the person tends to recover faster and feel less pain postoperatively.

Side effects of colectomy

There are some possible side effects of colectomy, but they can vary according to the case, depending on factors such as the general health of the patient and the extent of the incision.

Some post-surgical complications may involve: infections, bleeding, and blood clots (in the legs). After the procedure, adhesions in tissues or organs can occur, which requires additional surgery if it is necessary to unblock the intestine.

What are the indications for colectomy?

The colectomy surgery aims to remove parts of the large intestine affected by diseases, and is indicated in situations involving:

• Tumors;
• Complications of Crohn’s Disease (which affects the gastrointestinal tract);
• Complications of ulcerative colitis (inflammation that affects the intestine);
• Complications of acute diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticulum, located in the intestine);
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Large intestine hemorrhage when other treatments fail.

Colectomy: learn about the treatment and talk to your doctor

Colectomy is an invasive procedure that requires preparation on the part of the patient, as well as a lot of dialogue with the doctor. Through the EndoBlog, belonging to Endoscopia Terapêutica, it is possible to access the main information about colectomy, colon cancer, and what you need to know before undergoing the procedure.

Browse the portal and check out more information about colectomy and other treatments and exams performed in cases of colon cancer.

Also check out: elastic band ligation risks

Also read: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | Dysphagia

When inflamed (or infected), the appendix tends to cause severe pain (among other symptoms) and problems that can lead to acute appendicitis.

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the inflammation or infection of a part of the intestine also known as the appendix, located in the lower abdomen, on the right side of the body.

One of the main signs of inflammation in the appendix is the onset of severe pain in the area, which may or may not be accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms that we mention below.

What are the main causes?

The inflammation of the appendix occurs when there is an accumulation of feces (and bacteria) inside the organ. The specific causes remain unknown to this day, but it is known that appendicitis can occur at any time in life.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammation in the appendix are:

• Apathy;
• Chills;
• Constipation;
• Intense abdominal pain;
• Fever;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Stiffness and abdominal swelling.

Risk factors

There are no specific risk factors for the development of appendicitis. What is known is that cases are more frequent in people aged 10 to 30 years.

At the first signs and symptoms, it is essential to seek a doctor. In the case of children, parents should be even more attentive, as they often may have difficulty describing what they are feeling.

Appendectomy as treatment

If the appendix is infected, configuring appendicitis, surgical removal, or appendectomy, is necessary as soon as possible, to avoid more serious problems, such as perforation of the appendix and peritonitis (spread of the infection throughout the abdominal space).

For the procedure, the patient is fully anesthetized (general anesthesia) and a small cut is made in the lower right part of the abdomen. The appendix is then removed.

In the case of the presence of pus (or abscess) at the site of infection, a complete washing of the area is performed, and a small tube is attached to help eliminate fluids and secretions.

Is there prevention against appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition resulting from the functioning of the intestine, that is, there is no specific action that can prevent inflammation of the appendix.

On the other hand, it is recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens, as well as water, which help in the proper functioning of the intestine, reducing the intestinal transit of feces, which can reduce the chances of them accumulating in the appendix.

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EndoBlog gathers information about appendectomy and other important treatments for the health and well-being of patients of all ages.

EndoBlog was conceived by a team of health professionals aiming to clear all patient doubts, in addition to providing complete content about diseases, exams, and treatments, mainly related to the digestive system.

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Also read: Upper Digestive Endoscopy | Intragastric Balloon | Dysphagia