Water and Colostomies

Food moving through the colon is diverted from its normal course when a colostomy is carried out. Waste matter leaves the body following its progress through the small and large intestine where fluids and nutrients are absorbed. When a person has a colostomy the procedure fits a stoma, usually toward the end of the colon which means that in many cases much of the function of the bowel can be unaffected by the procedure.

However, there are times when colon function is impaired if the stoma is fitted to treat trauma or cancer higher up the colon and in these cases issues with hydration and nutrition become particularly important.

A good diet is especially important as it will avoid problems with diarrhoea and constipation. Different food groups will affect individuals differently so keeping properly hydrated is important for managing the impact of any diarrhoea or constipation that may arise. This is especially important in the period following the procedure when the patient is learning what food types cause digestive issues.

As always, drinking fluids is critical. The normal eight to ten glasses of liquid needs to be drunk to avoid problems and when suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting it will be important to drink even more and an available source of electrolyte salts is also recommended.