Although you may receive a lot of information about how to manage your ostomy and the different products available, you may still have questions about what an ostomy really means for your anatomy. This article explains how an ostomy works, and how your anatomy may change after you have had surgery.
How does the stoma function?
Your stoma allows bodily waste, such as stool, to be diverted out of the body when the normal route of elimination is compromised. There are two main types of ostomies that deal with fecal output: colostomy and ileostomy.
What is a colostomy?
If you have a colostomy, a portion of the colon (large intestine) is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Exactly where the stoma is located will depend on which part of the colon is involved. Stool that passes through a colostomy typically resembles normal bowel movements, i.e., it is formed and somewhat solid.
What is an ileostomy?
An ileostomy is different. It involves bringing a portion of the small intestine to the abdominal surface. The stool that exits through an ileostomy is usually liquid or semi-formed, as it hasn't been fully processed by the large intestine.
Either way, the stoma itself does not have muscles to control the passage of waste. Rather, the body's natural peristaltic movements – wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract – push your waste through your digestive system and directly out through the stoma.
How do the anus and rectum function after stoma surgery?
After surgery, waste will no longer build up in the rectum. Rather, it will be diverted outside of your abdomen and collected in your ostomy pouch.
Your anatomy will differ, depending on the type of surgery you have.
Rectum and anus preserved
In some cases, the rectum and anus may remain intact even after ostomy surgery. This means that the rectum and anus can continue to function as they did before the surgery but are bypassed when your body gets rid of waste.
However, it is possible for discharge to occur due to the rectum and bowel continuing to produce mucus. This is a natural bodily function that occurs even after it is no longer needed to help move stool through your bowel. This mucus may be expelled through the anus or collect near the stoma, requiring regular hygiene and care to maintain cleanliness and prevent irritation.
Rectum preserved, anus closed
In other cases, the rectum may be preserved, but the anus is closed or sewn shut. This approach may be taken if there is a benefit to keeping the rectum (for example, in case of further surgery), or to avoid additional risk. In this case, waste exits the body through the stoma, and the anus is no longer a part of this process.
Rectum and anus removed or closed
Finally, in some cases, the rectum and anus may be surgically removed. After this surgery, waste elimination occurs solely through the stoma, and the rectum and anus are no longer present.
Key takeaways:
- Ostomy surgery can affect your anatomy in different ways
- Surgery will affect the functioning of the rectum and anus, and it may be that these parts are closed or removed
- Consult your healthcare provider and make sure you understand the specific implications ostomy surgery will have on your anatomy.
