Waste is passed into a pouch outside the body called anostomy appliance.
The stoma is delicate, especially in the days and weeks following the surgery.
A urostomy drains urine from the bladder.
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What to Expect
A stoma should be a beefy red or pink color.
The stoma is created using the lining of the intestine which should be moist and shiny.
In the days following the surgery, the stoma may be swollen and produce mucus.
While the stoma itself should be moist, the skin around the stoma should be relatively normal in appearance.
It should not lookinfectedor “angry” (abnormally red, swollen, or inflamed).
You may need to try several different ostomy appliances to get the best fit.
The same applies to appliance adhesives, some of which may be more irritating than others.
Ongoing diarrhea is also a concern.
An extremely pale stoma means that the blood supply is poor.
A purplish, or blackish color is an indication that tissues are dying (referred to asnecrosis).
Ongoing diarrhea is also a concern.
Sudden changes in coloreither extreme paleness or extreme purplish or blackened skinare also signs of a medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
A healthy stoma should be a beefy red or pink color.
After surgery, the stoma may be moist, but the skin surrounding it should appear normal.
Some swelling of the stoma is normal in the days after surgery.
If you develop a fever above 99.5 F after surgery, contact your doctor.
After surgery, it’s normal for a small amount of blood to come out of the stoma.
American Cancer Society.Caring for a colostomy.
MedlinePlus.Ileostomycaring for your stoma.
