When it comes to female reproductive cancers, ovarian cancer has the highest fatality rate. Among gynecological malignant tumors, ovarian cancer has the greatest death rate, and patients with advanced ovarian cancer often have to undergo surgery.
Surgical procedures like this may involve creating a diversion stoma. If it is necessary, an ovarian cancer specialist Bhubaneswar can assess the patient thoroughly before surgery, plan and perform the surgery, and help the patient through postoperative care for the best possible result.
What is Diversion Stoma?
A diversion stoma is a surgical technique in which an artificial orifice is created in the body to redirect the normal flow of bodily waste away. This surgery usually occurs when an illness or injury compromises the body’s natural route for eliminating waste.
Depending on the individual patient’s requirements, there are different types of diversion stomas. There are mainly two kinds:
- Colostomy: The process involves creating a stoma or opening it in the colon so that waste can be expelled into a collection bag.
- Ileostomy: A stoma is created by bringing a section of the small intestine, also known as the ileum, to the surface of the abdomen. Waste is then discharged into a collecting bag through the stoma.
Diversion stomas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s health and treatment plan.
The Pros And Cons Of Diversion Stoma
Here are some of the pros and cons of a diversion Stoma.
Pros
- Reduced Urgency
Much of your day will be less stressful—no more rushing to the restroom. When you’ve gotten the hang of using your stoma, worrying about going to the bathroom will no longer be a problem.
- Enhanced Life Quality
A diversion stoma can greatly enhance the quality of life for persons with specific medical conditions and allow greater control of bodily functions.
- Symptom Management
A diversion stoma can ease symptoms such as leaking, pain, and discomfort by redirecting waste away from injured or diseased parts of the urinary or digestive systems.
- Flexibility
People may have more flexibility in their dietary and lifestyle choices as they can modify their daily habits to fit the stoma.
- Helps With Recovery
After surgery or trauma, the digestive or urinary system may need time to heal. A diversion stoma can help relieve pain and speed healing by redirecting waste away from the injured area.
- Reversible
A reversible diversion stoma allows patients to regain regular bowel or bladder function if that’s what they want and if it’s medically possible.
Cons
- Risk Of Surgery
Diversion stomas, like any surgical surgery, come with their fair share of risks, such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications.
- Stoma Care
To avoid problems like skin irritation, infection, or leaking, it is crucial to properly care for and maintain the stoma. Consult an ovarian cancer specialist Bhubaneswar to find out how to manage stoma care properly.
- Lack of Control
As soon as you get a diversion stoma, you lose control. This can happen at any moment. Eventually, you’ll have to accept that the bag will fill up at its own pace.
- Leaks are Unavoidable
You won’t have major accidents anymore, but there will be occasional leaks. Finding the correct appliance to limit leaks is a challenge. Keep in mind that a diversion stoma isn’t a foolproof method. Some of your movements may weaken the stoma. Fortunately, you will find your ideal way with time.
- Adjustment Period
There are practical and psychological obstacles to overcome when adjusting to life with a diversion stoma. It is common for people to feel anxious, depressed, or self-conscious, especially when they are first adjusting.
- Lifestyle Changes
Diversion stomas can impact daily life, including dietary restrictions, wardrobe choices, and physical activity or travel planning.
Caring for a Diversion Stoma
Your stoma skin should never change texture or color from the rest of your belly skin. A diversion stoma, however, can irritate or sting this skin. An ovarian cancer specialist Bhubaneswar can advise you on the best ways to maintain the diversion stoma system. Here are some of the things you can do to keep your stoma in good condition:
- Ensure that the pouch and skin barrier opening are the correct size.
- Avoid skin irritation and leaks by changing the pouching system frequently.
- Unless necessary, don’t remove the pouching system daily.
- Use water to cleanse the skin surrounding the stoma.
- Dry the skin thoroughly before applying the pouch or barrier.
- Be cautious of skin sensitivity or allergy to the pouch, adhesive, paste, skin barrier, or tape.
Conclusion
Although diversion stomas have the potential to provide many benefits, they also have inherent risks and challenges. These problems can be effectively managed with the right information, care, and guidance from an ovarian cancer specialist Bhubaneswar.
If you want the best therapy, see Dr. Ushashree Das. No matter your gynecological problem, she and her team have the expertise to help you.