Book
Care for cancer patients with artificial openings
- Types of Artificial Openings in the Abdominal Wall
There are two types of artificial openings related to the digestive system:
- Colostomy (Colon Stoma):
- A part of the patient's large intestine (called the colon) is brought to the abdominal wall to form an opening.
- This allows stool to pass through the opening, typically on the left side of the abdomen, where the stool is more solid.
- The presence of this opening means that the patient cannot control defecation, requiring a bag to be attached to the opening to collect the stool.
- Ileostomy:
- When a portion of the small intestine (called the ileum) is brought to the abdominal wall to form the opening.
- The stool is more liquid in this part of the intestine and is typically found on the right side of the abdomen.
- Like colostomy, the presence of this opening means the patient cannot control defecation, requiring a bag to collect the stool.
