How to prevent post-ostomy intestinal obstruction?

After an ostomy, many people worry about intestinal obstruction, especially an ileostomy. The cause of postoperative intestinal obstruction is mainly related to diet. Since the postoperative intestinal function has not fully recovered, and the pore size of the small intestine is much smaller than that of the large intestine, if you eat faster or eat more high-fiber Indigestible food, these food residues tend to get stuck in the small intestine, causing a blockage. Many people find it stressful to not have a bowel movement, or to have fewer bowel movements. So, does it mean that there is intestinal obstruction if the stoma does not have a bowel movement? Let's learn about it with me.

What is post-ostomy ileus ?

Bowel obstruction is a blockage where normal discharge flows freely from your stoma into your pouching system. The consistency of stools can also vary with diet, exercise, and hydration, unlike ileus, which clogs the air pores, slowing down the output of waste or possibly stopping it altogether. The blockage is usually accompanied by some degree of cramping and abdominal distension, and some may even experience nausea and vomiting. However, most people with a stoma still have varying degrees of stoma blockage due to food intake.

What are the signs and symptoms of a blocked stoma?

You can usually tell if you have a clogged stoma when you look at your pouch. If the bag is empty when it should be, you know something is wrong. In addition to an empty stoma bag, the symptoms of stoma blockage are accompanied by severe cramping stomach pain, bloating, Constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, less urine output, loss of appetite, and other symptoms.

How to prevent intestinal obstruction?

1. Diet: Foods with crude fiber that are difficult to digest can easily cause stoma blockage, especially for patients with an ileostomy. The ileum is part of the small intestine, and the small intestine has a relatively small pore size. After eating a lot of crude fiber food, the stoma is prone to blockage. In addition, people with a narrow stoma have difficulty excreting feces due to the narrow outlet. After eating crude fiber food, it is easy to cause stoma obstruction, abdominal pain, bloating, and even vomiting. Especially for ileostomy, special attention should be paid to the diet. After the postoperative diet transitions from liquid to soft food, one must not act too hastily.

2. Activities: After you can get out of bed after the operation, you can walk around the room. After your physical condition recovers, you can also do some sports within your ability. It can be done step by step, and it can't be too tiring. Proper activity not only tones the gut but also strengthens the body.

3. Prevent stoma stenosis: the anus can be properly expanded after the operation. 1-2 weeks after the operation, wear gloves on your fingers, apply lubricating oil, and slowly insert into the stoma until you can insert the second segment of your finger (insert 3-4cm). Do not rotate your finger after insertion to avoid mucosal bleeding. Use the little finger first, then the index finger, 1-2 times a week. If a narrow stoma has occurred, the anus should be expanded every day, usually 2-3 times a day, for 3-6 months, so that the diameter of the stoma will be 2-2.5cm.

4. Stay hydrated: People with a stoma must stay well hydrated. Water is an essential element of the digestive process and it can be combined with the food you eat to help improve digestion, so try to drink as much as you can, won't necessarily increase the number of times you need to change your ostomy bag, but Helps reduce the risk of stoma blockage.

Finally, please keep your mind relaxed, and replenish water in time every day, as long as you eat a reasonable diet, exercise appropriately, and pay attention to observation, what you are worried about will not appear.

Choosing the right ostomy product at the right time can help make life more comfortable. If you are struggling with clogs, ostomy pouch these products may help If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly. 

At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: February 14, 2023