MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Pediatric Surgery
Pediatric Surgeon, Jaipur
•
48 years experience
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You correctly answered out of 5 questions
What are some reasons that require colostomy?
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A colostomy is when the colon needs to be opened out to the external surface as the large intestines and the anus cannot perform their function to remove the stool out of the body. This can happen when there is a very small or no anus or it is perforated. It can also happen when the large intestine is not fully developed. Hirschsprungs disease is a rare genetic disorder where there is a problem with the sensation to the colon and can cause an obstruction for passing stool. Having a baby with a stoma requires learning how to keep the stoma clean and free of infection and requires additional training for this.
What are some factors that make colostomy care a challenge in the newborn?
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An adult would have sufficient body surface area to manage the colostomy when done. For a newborn, however, as the surface area is too small, it becomes difficult. The skin is very delicate and needs additional care. In addition, the child s inability to express anything including discomfort or pain is an issue. All these require the patient or caretaker to be trained to care for babies with colostomy. The baby s skin does not have adequate protective effects against infection and so should be watched for carefully
What are some things to bear in mind when caring for a colostomy child?
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After the initial phase, caring for a stoma can be easy. However, what needs to be borne in mind is that children poop and pee a lot more than adults, and so the bag needs more frequent clearing. The stoma also needs to be kept clean to avoid infections. Most organs are still not fully developed, and this is something to be borne in mind when caring for a child with a colostomy. Two piece stoma bags are easier to use on children as only the second piece needs to be removed and cleared of stool or urine.
Caring for colostomy in children requires additional training
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When talking about caring for a child suffering from colostomy, additional factors come into play given their overall growth level, the additional care for skin, etc. The fact that the child cannot express the discomfort or pain that is caused by the stom and/or other associated conditions also adds to the complexity. Warm water baths is one of the ways to keep the baby skin clean, it also relaxes the baby.
Children with colostomy require changes in their regular routine of caring
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In many children, the colostomy can change the way their bathing and caring happens. The massage oils can cause irritation, the soaps and shampoos need to be chosen with care. Introducing new foods should be done with care, as it can change the stool pattern and surprise both the parent and the child. Ensure the baby is adequately hydrated to avoid problems with the stoma bag.
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