Water and Stoma

Sometimes surgery is required to by-pass the a part of your bowel bringing it to the surface and using a manual device, called a stoma to collect matter. When a stoma has been fitted food and water pass through the bowel more quickly which means that an awareness of the signs of dehydration and how to stay hydrated is very important.

As fluids and solids move through the different parts of the colon there are different digestive process going on which means the issues raised depend on which part of the colon has the stoma fitted.

Water and Colostomy

A colostomy is the operation that is performed to bring the colon is brought out onto the surface fn the abdomen. The procedure is used where bowel disease such as cancer or trauma means that a section of the bowel has to be removed.

Food then exits the digestive system via a stoma that is worn over the colostomy. Depending where in the colon the colostomy has been delivered, there may be a need for increased awareness of hydration issues. You can find out more by clicking here.

Water and Ileostomy

A stoma that is attached to the ileum is known as an ileostomy and is often fitted as part of the treatment offered to people with conditions such as bowel cancer, Chrohn's Disease of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). The operation is often carried out to temporarily bypass the ileum to allow for conditions such as Crohns Disease or FAP to be treated and for the ileum to recover.

The ileum is responsible for absorbing a large amount of the water and salts that the body needs to stay properly hydrated so an operation of this type means that attention to hydration levels becomes very important. You can read more by clicking here.