Health encyclopaedia

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Recovery of Colostomy

Post-surgical abdominal pain is common, and medication is given to relieve it. For two or three days the individual is fed intravenously until it is certain that normal bowel function has resumed.

Hospital stays range from 3 to 10 days, and normal activity can usually be resumed within 1 to 3 weeks. Heavy lifting must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

A stoma nurse is a qualified nurse specially trained to assist people who have had a colostomy operation and whose bowel excretions must be emptied into a bag. The nurse gives dietary advice to minimise bowel problems and looks after the care of the colostomy opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall, together with the health of the surrounding skin to which the colostomy bag is attached. The nurse also takes care of the supply of necessary appliances and materials.

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