When stoma prolapse occurs repeatedly despite manual reduction, surgical treatment is needed to fit the stoma pouch appliance and avoid bowel incarceration and strangulation. Surgical treatment options for stoma prolapse include stoma reversal, local resection, or relocation.
What causes stoma to prolapse?
A prolapsed stoma can occur as a result of straining the muscles surrounding the stoma during heavy lifting and other strenuous activity, or when the muscles surrounding the stoma are weak.
What is a prolapsed colostomy stoma?
A prolapse of the stoma occurs when the bowel protrudes through the stomal opening in the skin to a greater extent than was anticipated. The amount of protruding bowel can vary from 2-3cm to more than 10cm. Although when this first happens it can be very distressing and frightening it is usually not serious.
How do you prevent a colostomy prolapse?
Often the prolapse can be reduced by the patient lying down on the bed for about 20 minutes to relax the abdominal muscle and reduce the intra abdominal pressure. Gentle pressure applied continuously against the prolapsed distal loop will aid the bowel to return to the intraperitoneal space.
What does a prolapsed colostomy look like?
The stoma can become dark red or purple, or sometimes a very pale pink, and may be cool to touch. You may also notice that your stoma does not function as well with a prolapse, potentially causing signs of an obstruction.
How do you get a prolapsed stoma back in?
By feeling, rather than looking, place a finger on the prolapsed end of the stoma and lifting it up, apply gentle downward pressure. If the stoma is not swollen then the bowel will usually slide back down into the stoma opening.
What happens when your stoma prolapse?
Sometimes the stoma will remain prolapsed and will become swollen. It can enlarge in diameter as well as in length. The blood supply to a prolapsed stoma can become compromised, causing a change in the colour and/or warmth of the stoma.
How common is stoma prolapse?
Stoma prolapse is a common late complication, occurring in 1–26% of colostomies.
How do I know if my stoma is prolapsed?
How far should a stoma protrude?
Colostomies should typically protrude 1.5 to 2.5 cm and stomas of the small bowel should evert 2.5 to 3.5 cm. Stomas that do not evert at least 1 cm above the skin surface 48 hours after surgery have a 35% chance of causing problems.
Can a prolapsed stoma fix itself?
Often, the prolapsed stoma fixes itself. But if it doesn’t, here are some things you can do if you notice your stoma protruding: Lie down for 20 minutes. This allows for your abdominal muscles to relax and reduces pressure around your abdominal region.
Is a prolapsed stoma painful?
A prolapsed stoma should not usually cause you any pain or effect the way your stoma functions, although it may cause issues when it comes to fitting your stoma bag correctly due to the size and weight of the prolapsed stoma.
