P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O...

25
PATIENT INFORMATION Bowel Resection with Colostomy Please bring this book to the hospital on the day of your surgery

Transcript of P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O...

Page 1: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N

Bowel Resection with Colostomy

Please bring this book to the hospital on the day of your surgery

Page 2: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Disclaimer This document i s not in tended to replace the advice

o f a qual i f ied heal thcare provider . Please consul t your heal thcare provider who wi l l be able to de termine

The appropriateness o f the informat ion for your speci f ic s i tuat ion.

Page 3: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 5 THE CLINICAL PATHWAY BOWEL RESECTION WITH COLOSTOMY........................ 6 THE BOWEL: HOW IT WORKS.................................................................................... 12 SURGICAL PROCEDURES THAT RESULT IN AN COLOSTOMY .............................. 13 WHAT IS AN COLOSTOMY?........................................................................................ 13 BASIC CARE................................................................................................................. 14

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR APPLIANCE ................................................................................ 15 HOW TO EMPTY YOUR BAG ............................................................................................ 16

DIET INFORMATION .................................................................................................... 17 WHAT MORE SHOULD I KNOW? ................................................................................ 17

CONSTIPATION ............................................................................................................. 17 DIARRHEA.................................................................................................................... 18 ODOURS...................................................................................................................... 18 GAS ............................................................................................................................ 18 EFFECTS OF MEDICATION .............................................................................................. 19

AFTER YOU LEAVE THE HOSPITAL........................................................................... 19 WHERE CAN I GET HELP WHEN I GO HOME?.......................................................... 20 WHERE AND WHAT TO BUY....................................................................................... 20 TIPS AND TIMESAVERS.............................................................................................. 21WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY DOCTOR?....................................................................... 21 WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT? ..................................................................................... 22 WORDS YOU MAY BE HEARING FOR THE FIRST TIME........................................... 22 FOR MORE INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 22

Page 4: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5

IntroductionThis booklet will answer some of your questions about your surgery. Due to your particular problem, your surgeon will remove or bypass your entire large bowel. This will result in an colostomy.

Learning to live with an colostomy is a major change for you. With time you can resume your normal way of living. Your surgeon and his/her team and your nurses will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Please bring your booklet to the hospital as the healthcare team members will refer to these instructions throughout your hospital stay.

The meaning of the words in italic is in the section Words You May Be Hearing For The First Time.

Page 5: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 6

The Clinical Pathway The health team has put together a Clinical Pathway to help plan your care. A Clinical Pathway outlines the usual day-to-day care during your hospital stay. This includes tests, treatments, activities and teaching. It is important for you to review it so you can participate actively in your recovery. If needed, this plan of care can be adjusted based on your condition.

Page 6: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 7

Clinical Pathway – Bowel Resection With Colostomy Post-op Day 1

Open Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery

Consult Dietitian Dietitian

Tests tset doolB tset doolB

Medication

IV PCA or Epidural infusion for pain management Antibiotic (if ordered) Anti-nausea medication Anticoagulant (prevents blood clots) Patient’s own medications if required

IV PCA or epidural infusin for pain management Antibiotic (if ordered) Anti-nausea medication Anticoagulant (prevents blood clots) Patient’s own medications if required

Assessment&Treatment

Vital signs (Blood pressure, Heart & Respiratory rate, Temperature) Oxygen if needed IntravenousAbdominal dressing Drain/drainage Elastic (TED) stockings Stoma and applianceBowel and Breath sounds

Vi ta l signs Oxygen if neeed IntravenousAbdominal incisions Drain / drainage (if present) Elastic (TED) stockings Stoma and applianceBowel and Breath sounds

Activity Walk in ha l l once and sit up in chairs 2 timeWalk in ha l l once and sit up in chairs 2

Nutrition Surgery diet Eat what you feel you can

Surgery dietEat what you feel you can

Elimination

Urinary catheter Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

Urinary catheter removed (unless otherwise ordered)fI no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

PatientTeaching/

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management Activity

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management ActivityReview how to open/close tail closure on ostomy bag

Page 7: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 8

Clinical Pathway – Bowel Resection With Colostomy Post-op Day 2

Open Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery

Consult

Tests Blood testBlood test

Medication

IV PCA or Epidural infusion for pain management Anti-nauseame dication Anticoagulant (prevents blood clots ) Patient’s own medications if required

IV PCA discontinued and pain medication started by mouth as orderedAnti-nausea medication Anticoagulant (prevents blood clots) Patient’s own medications if required

Assessment &Treatment

Vital signs Oxygen if needed Intravenous Abdominal dressing removed, incision left open to air Drain may be removed (if present) as ordered Stoma and appliance

Vital signs Oxygen if needed Intravenous discontinued if drinking well Abdominal incisions Drain may be removed (if present) as ordered Stoma and appliance

Activity Walk in hall at least 3 times Walk in hall at least 3 times

Nutrition teid yregruS teid yregruS

Elimination

Urinary catheter removed (unless otherwise ordered) If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

Urinary catheter as ordered If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

PatientTeaching/

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management Activity Review how to open/close tail closure on ostomy bag

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management Activity Empty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet with supervision

Page 8: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 9

Clinical Pathway – Bowel Resection With Colostomy Post-op Day 3

Open Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery

ConsultHome Care Home Care

The nurse performs stoma assessment, changes while teaching the appliance and provides supplies for discharge

Tests Blood test if required Blood test if required

Medication

Epidural or IV PCA discontinued and pain medication started by mouth as orderedAnti-nausea medication Patient’s own medications if required

Oral pain medication Anti-nausea medication Patient’s own medications if required

Assessment &Treatment

Vital signs Oxygen if needed Abdominal incision Elastic (TED) stockings Stoma and appliance

Vital signs Oxygen if needed Abdominal incisions Elastic (TED) stockings Stoma and appliance

Activity Walk in hall at least 3 times Walk in hall at least 3 times

Nutrition teid yregruS teid yregruS

Elimination If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

PatientTeaching/

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management ActivityEmpty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet with supervision

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management ActivityEmpty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet independently

Discharge Planning

Confirm plan to be picked up from hospital tomorrow by 10:00 a.m.

Page 9: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 10

Clinical Pathway – Bowel Resection With Colostomy Post-op Day 4

Open Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery

Consult Nurse performs stoma assessment, changes the appliance while teaching and provides supplies for discharge (if not done on Day 3)

Nurse performs stoma assessment, changes the appliance while teaching and provides supplies for discharge (if not done on Day 3)

Tests

Medication Pain medication Anti-nausea medication Patient’s own medications if required

Pain medication Anti-nausea medication Patient’s own medications if required

Assessment&Treatment

Vital signs Abdominal incision Elastic (TED) stockings Stoma and appliance

Vital signs Stoma and appliance

Activity detarelot sa ytivitcA detarelot sa ytivitcA

Nutrition teid yregruS teid yregruS

Elimination Urinary catheter as ordered If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

Urinary catheter as ordered If no urinary catheter, up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

PatientTeaching/

Deep breathing and coughing exercises Ankle exercises Pain management Activity Empty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet independently

Review post-op instructions with the nurse Activity Medications Wound care Diet When to call the doctor/ET Nurse Follow-up visit Stoma care – able to empty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet independently Urinary catheter care (if present)

DischargePlanning

Confirm plan to be picked up from hospital tomorrow by 10:00 a.m.

Discharge

Page 10: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 11

Clinical Pathway – Bowel Resection With Colostomy Post-op Day 5

Open Surgery

Consult Nurse performs stoma assessment, changes the appliance while teaching and provides suppliesfor discharge (if not done on Day 4)

Tests

Medication Pain medication Anti-nausea medication Patient’s own medications if required

Assessment&Treatment

Vital signs Stoma and appliance

Activity Activity as tolerated

Nutrition Surgery diet

Elimination Up to void in bathroom Stoma output (passing gas in bag)

PatientTeaching/

Review post-op instructions with the nurse Activity Medications Wound care Diet When to call the doctor Follow-up visit Stoma care – able to empty and rinse ostomy bag in toilet independently

DischargePlanning Discharge

Page 11: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 12

The Bowel: How It Works When you eat, the food you swallow remains in your stomach for a short time. It then passes into the intestine (bowel). This organ is a tube-like structure that has two major parts, the small and the large bowel.

You have twenty (20) feet of small bowel loosely coiled in your abdomen. The small bowel has three sections:1 – duodenum,2 – jejunum,3 – ileum.

You also have six (6) feet of large bowel, also called the colon t hat frames the small bowel. The large bowel has six sections:1 – the ascending colon,2 – the transverse colon,3 – t he descending colon,4 – the sigmoid colon, 5 – the rectum,6 – the anus.

The small bowel does all the work to digest the food you eat. The large bowel acts like a sponge and removes water from your stool. It also serves as a storage area until you are ready to go to the bathroom. Though your doctor removes or by-passes part of your large bowel, you will still have your entire small bowel to digest the foods you eat.

Page 12: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 13

Hartman’s procedure where the

Surgical Procedures That Result in a Colostomy Many bowel operations may result in an colostomy. The most common are the

sigmoid colon is removed or bypassed or the abdominal perineal resection (APR) where the rectum is sutured closed.

What is a colostomy?A colostomy is an opening on the abdomen created at the time of your surgery. The doctor brings the end of your large bowel out through the skin and cuffs it back on itself to form a stoma. The location of the stoma will most likely be on the left hand side of your abdomen. Stool and gas from the stoma collect in an appliance secured to your abdomen. You will not feel the urge to go to the bathroom and you will not control your bowel as before. After your operation, your stool will be liquid to oatmeal-like in consistency and you will have a lot of gas. Later your stool will become thicker to resemble normal stool. As you begin to eat and the swelling in your bowel decreases, you will produce less gas. If you have a “ loop colostomy”, this is a little different. The doctor brings out a loop of large bowel through a small incision on your abdomen. He/she places a plastic bridge under the loop to support the bowel. The doctor then makes a small incision in the exposed bowel and cuffs it back on itself. A loop colostomy is larger and actually has two openings colostomy.

Section to be removed during surgeryHartman Procedure

Ostomy with 2 HolesOne opening expels stool and gas and the other produces a jelly-like substance called mucous.The location of this type of colostomy will be on the left hand side and it is usually atemporary stoma. The doctor/Nurse will remove the bridge 7 to 14 days after your operation.

Page 13: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 14

Basic Care Common sense is the rule of thumb in stoma care. It is helpful to think of the care given to a baby’s bottom. You would not leave a baby in a soiled diaper for very long. You also would not change a diaper without washing the baby’s bottom thoroughly. Well, the skin on your abdomen deserves the same considerations.

There are many kinds of bags. Whatever appliance you use, certain principles will guide you.

Change your appliance at least once a week.

None of your skin should be in contact with the output from your colostomy. This drainage contains elements that could easily irritate your skin.

You must change your appliance as soon as you feel burning or itchiness beneath it. If you notice some redness or breaking down of the skin around the stoma, act promptly.- Expose the skin to air for 15 to 20 minutes when you change your appliance. - Stop using soap. - Recheck the size of your stoma and change the opening of your appliance as

needed.- Sprinkle a small amount of stoma powder on the reddened area.

If the problem worsens or persists for more than a week, get help!

Your stoma will probably get into a routine and function at regular intervals. Do your appliance change during these “quiet times” (ex.: before meals).

You can choose to remove your appliance to bathe or shower, soap and water will notharm the stoma.

Page 14: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 15

How to change your appliance

In the hospital, you will use an appliance that has 2 pieces to it. The flange is the part that sticks to your body. The bag snaps on the wafer and collects the output from the stoma.

1. Gather the supplies that you will need. This includes a flange, bag, measuring card, pencil, scissors, stoma paste (if recommended), stoma powder (if recommended), mild soap, soft washcloth and garbage bag. • Use a soap that is mild, without moisturizers or perfume.

2. Prepare the flange (if you know the size of your stoma; if you don’t know the size of the stoma, go to # 3). • Trace the stoma size on the backing of the flange. • Cut out the stoma opening. • Smooth the inner edge of the opening by rubbing your finger along it. • Remove the backing on flange. • Apply stoma paste around stoma opening (if recommended). • Set aside to allow the paste to dry. • You can also apply the stoma paste directly on the skin around the stoma. Let

the stoma paste dry before applying the flange. 3. Remove the old appliance. Peel back one corner and gently rub with a soapy cloth

to loosen. Measure the stoma to determine or check the size. • The stoma opening is 1/8 of an inch larger than the actual stoma. The stoma will

shrink over the next 4 – 6 weeks after your operation. 4. Wash skin around stoma with warm water and mild soap, rinse soap off and pat dry.

• Inspect the skin around the stoma for any redness or opened area. 5. Apply stoma powder to the stitches around the stoma (if recommended). Whisk off

excess powder. • Too much powder on the skin will leave a granular surface and prevent the tape

around the flange from sticking. 6. Remove paper backing on tape around flange. Center the flange over the stoma

and press on the flange to ensure a good seal. Smooth down the tape around flange to the skin. • Do not stretch tape as this will cause you discomfort when you move.

7. Apply bag. Align the plastic ring on the flange to the plastic ring on bag. Starting at the bottom, apply gentle pressure all the way around flange until bag “snaps” in place.• To help snap bag in place, make your abdomen hard by “straining”.

8. Apply tail closure or close with velcro. 9. Hold in place with gentle pressure for one minute to ensure a good seal.

Page 15: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bowel Resection with Colostomy 16

How to empty your bag In the hospital, you will be using a bag that you can empty. The nurses will show you how to empty your bag in the bathroom. Empty your bag when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full. If it overfills, it will feel heavy and pull on your skin. The weight could disrupt the seal and cause leakages. 1. Prepare the rinsing solution of cool water and mouthwash in a squirt bottle, a plastic

glass or any other type of container. • You can use any type of mouthwash.

2. Place toilet paper on top of the water in the toilet. This will reduce splashing. 3. Sit as far back on the toilet as you can and spread your legs apart. 4. Remove the tail closure at the bottom of the bag or open the Velcro and set it aside.

• Your nurse will show you how to open and close the tail closure and will give you one to practice with. If not, she will have shown you how to open and close with the velcro

5. Empty the bag between your legs, in the toilet. 6. Squirt some of the rinsing solution into the bag to rinse it. 7. Fold over the bottom of the bag and swish the solution around.

• Don’t expect the bag to get spotless! 8. Empty the rinsing solution in the toilet. 9. Use toilet paper to wipe the inside and outside of the bottom of the bag. 10. Replace the tail closure or close the Velcro. Depending on the type of colostomy you have, you can try to regulate the function of your bowel with irrigations (enemas). Please ask your doctor / nurse / ET Nurse for more information on this topic.

Page 16: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 17

Diet Information

It is very important for you to eat slowly and chew your food well. Only eat what you feel you can manage. It is better, at first to eat smaller amounts but more often. This will help reduce the strain on your bowel. Fluids should be taken in small amounts (sips) and juices can be diluted with water if the acidity is a problem for you.

In the hospital, you will be given many different foods to choose from. You may wish at first to try one new food at a time. This will help you identify those foods that cause a change in your bowel. However, a bowel upset can have many other causes. Should you notice a change in your bowel after eating a certain food, try this food again in a week or two. Re-member, foods that have caused you bowel upset before surgery will probably continue to do so now.

After your recovery period, be sure to eat regularly, three meals per day. Try to eat in a calm atmosphere. Skipping meals won’t reduce your bowel function but it may cause a lot of gas.

Some foods also may increase gas or odour formation (see WHAT MORE SHOULD I KNOW?).

The dietician will meet with you before you go home to discuss your “diet” with you.

What More Should I Know? The following pages list the most common problems experienced by people who have a colostomy. Your doctor/nurse will gladly answer your questions or provide additional information.

Constipation

Constipation occurs if you do not have a bowel movement regularly. This also can happen to people who have a colostomy. Your chances of becoming constipated increase if: your diet is too low in residue (fiber). You limit activities. You have a change in your normal habit. You do not drink enough fluid.

Page 17: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bowel Resection with Colostomy 18

You take pills such as aspirin, codeine or iron. Here are some suggestions that may help. You should adjust your diet to include more foods high in residue such as bran, cooked fruits or vegetables. You should drink more fluids. You can take natural laxatives such as prune juice or lemon juice in warm water. Diarrhea Diarrhea is watery, loose stool. This means that you will have to empty your bag more often. You can have diarrhea if you: eat certain spicy foods such as pizza. take certain medication such as an antibiotic, an antihypertensive (high blood

pressure pill) and/or a diuretic (water pill). drink certain fluids in large quantities such as beer, wine, alcohol, milk and fruit

juices. have a viral infection that affects your bowel. experience an emotional upset or get overexcited. have a change in water source. eat certain foods such as broccoli, spinach, fresh fruit and baked beans.

Here are suggestions that may help you. Increase your fluid intake by drinking small amounts often (about 4 ounces at a time). The following fluids will help replace fluid loss: tea, coffee, cola and bouillon. The following foods will help thicken your stool: boiled rice, pasta, cheese, peanut butter (creamy, not chunky), soda crackers, marshmallows and pretzels. You also can eat pureed bananas, applesauce, tapioca or rice pudding, yogurt or drink buttermilk/ boiled milk. If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, call your doctor. Odours Odours can result from: lack of personal and bag hygiene. eating foods such as eggs, fish/shellfish, cheese, asparagus, broccoli, vegetables

from the cabbage family, onions, garlic, baked beans and some spices. taking certain pills or vitamin preparations.

If your appliance is secure, the odour will only be noticeable when you empty or change it. You can use in-bag deodorant products that reduce odour. You also can drink cranberry juice, buttermilk or eat yogurt or parsley. Gas Gas production can increase if you: use a straw.

Page 18: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 19

eat foods such as vegetables from the cabbage family, broccoli, spinach, peas, corn, mush-rooms, onions, garlic, baked beans, cucumber and radishes.

chew gum or swallow air while you eat. snore or breathe through your mouth. drink milk products or carbonated drinks/beer.

Here are some suggestions that may help. Eat slowly and chew your food well with your mouth closed. Pour carbonated drinks in a glass before drinking. Refrain from using a straw to drink. If you wish, avoid the gas-producing foods and drinks as listed.

Effects of medication

Most medication you take will have the same effect even though you now have a colostomy. Some medications may change the color, odor and consistency of your stool. If you have questions about any medications you are taking, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

After You Leave the Hospital Your own attitude towards your colostomy will be the most important one. If you have a positive attitude, others will too.

Very few people need to know about your colostomy. You can decide who to tell and when to tell them.

Resuming activities after surgery is of some concern to most people. Your colostomy is in no way a restriction on your previous activities. You are free to enjoy all the activities that you enjoyed before your surgery. Rough contact sports such as football, wrestling or boxing might result in stoma bruising. Discuss it with your doctor should you want to participate in these sports.

You can continue to wear whatever clothing you wore before your surgery. The appliance is flat and inconspicuous. However, consider loose clothing right after your operation, as your abdomen will be swollen.

Resuming sexual activities takes time after any type of surgery. Honest and open communication with your partner is very important in finding or returning to a satisfying sexual relationship. In time, the presence of the colostomy will make little difference to you and your partner. Your particular surgery may result in physical changes. If you have concerns, discuss these with your doctor/nurse.

Page 19: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 20

Where Can I Get Help When I Go Home? While in the hospital, you will meet many people who will help you understand your colostomy care. The key person is your doctor. He will gladly answer your questions or refer you to another member of the team.

Your doctor’s office telephone number is: _________________________________

Private stoma clinics are also available.

Your doctor might wish to send a nurse to visit you at home. This service is free of charge in most instances. The CCAC (Community Care Access Centre – Ontario) or the CLSC (Centre local des services communautaires – Québec) will provide this home care service. The nurse will make sure you are managing well at home and will give your doctor regular reports on your condition.

People with an ostomy have an association for themselves. They get together once a month and discuss all sorts of topics that may interest you. The UNITED OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP OTTAWA, INC. is a non-profit organization to help you.

For more information, Call (613) 447-0361 or visit their web site listed in the section For More Information.

Where and What to Buy Before you leave the hospital, you will be given ostomy supplies. The home care services will later provide you with a complete list of supplies you will need to purchase and a list of places where you can buy your supplies.

If you have a permanent colostomy, you can apply for a grant to help pay for your supplies. These grants come from the Ministry of Health (Ontario) or the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (Quebec). The Nurse will give you the form you need.

If you have a temporary colostomy, most private extended health insurance will pay for sup-plies. Contact the company to find out.

Page 20: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 21

Tips and Timesavers You should always carry a spare appliance with you in case of leakage and

especially when you visit your doctor/nurse. You should bring your ostomy supplies when you come to the hospital. If you forget,

you will have to use whatever brand the hospital has in stock. When you travel, whether you are going on a camping trip or an excursion around

the world, you will need to make plans. 1. Carry a letter from your doctor stating that you have an colostomy and need

supplies.2. Make a complete list of all the supplies you need. 3. Take twice as many appliances as you might expect to use, as supplies

may be difficult to get at your destination. Include a supply of baggies and/or plastic bags for disposal purposes.

4. If possible, obtain a list of suppliers along your route. 5. If you are traveling by car, store your supplies in a cool area as heat may

affect the flange seal. If you are traveling by bus, train or plane, store your supplies in your carry-on bag. Remember that scissors will need to be left in the stored luggage if you travel by plane.

6. If traveling by plane, empty your appliance before departure and an hour prior to arrival, in case of delays at customs, etc …

7. If you need a doctor in a foreign country, contact the Canadian Embassy for referral.

8. If camping or backpacking, store your supplies in a waterproof container. 9. Foreign foods and water can cause problems. Visit your family doctor prior

to departure for advice.

When Should I Call My Doctor?1. When for no reason you get cramps that last more than 2 to 3 hours, that

progressively increase in intensity and you are not passing gas or stool. 2. When you notice blood mixed in your stool when you empty the bag. 3. Check with your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter

drugs.

Page 21: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 22

When Should I Consult?1. If you notice a cut in your stoma. 2. If you notice bleeding at the junction between the stoma and the skin. 3. If you notice a change in the stoma size, color and appearance. 4. If you notice a skin irritation or ulcers that do not get better. 5. If you notice a severe odour lasting more than a week.

Words You May Be Hearing For The First TimeAppliance: the flange and bag you wear to collect the drainage from your colostomy.ET Nurse: a nurse who has taken additional training in the care of patients with a stoma.Colostomy: the type of stoma created in the colon. Output: stoll and gas expelled from the stoma. Stoma: the actual opening of the bowel onto the abdomen.

For More Information United Ostomy Association of Canada – www.ostomycanada.ca United Ostomy Support Group, Ottawa, Inc. – www.ostomyottawa.ca Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada – www.ccac-accc.ca Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada – www.ccfc.ca

Page 22: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 23

This booklet was prepared by the ET nurses of The Ottawa Hospital. January 2006

and adapted for the Montfort Hospital MontfortOctober 2009

We hope this booklet has helped in providing you with important information regarding your minimally invasive

bowel resection surgery

Page 23: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bowel Resection with Colostomy 24

Notes

Page 24: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 25

Notes

Page 25: P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with ... · PDF fileP A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Bowel Resection with Colostomy ... Bowel Resection with Colostomy 5 Introduction

Clinical Pathway Booklet

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bowel Resection with Colostomy 26

Notes