Ostomy surgery is a medical procedure where an artificial opening is created in the abdomen to eliminate waste products from the body when the usual route of elimination is impossible. The surgery can be a life-saving procedure for people with bowel or urinary tract diseases or cancer treatment that has affected their ability to eliminate waste. However, before going into this surgery, there are several factors that you should consider.
- Makeup
Before going into ostomy surgery, it is crucial to consider the use of makeup. It is essential to avoid using makeup because it can cause skin irritation and infection around the stoma, leading to complications. Therefore, clean the products before heading in for surgery.
Additionally, makeup can create a barrier between the skin and the stoma bag, making monitoring the stoma’s output difficult. To avoid complications, it is recommended to avoid makeup for several weeks before and after the surgery.
- Nail Polish
Like makeup, nail polish can cause skin irritation and infection around the stoma. Therefore, avoiding nail polish before and after ostomy surgery is essential. The chemicals in nail polish can irritate the skin around the stoma and cause complications. Additionally, nail polish can cause the stoma bag to adhere poorly to the skin, leading to leaking.
- Jewelry
Before going into ostomy surgery, it is essential to consider the use of jewellery. Jewellery can get caught on the stoma bag or the stoma itself, causing pain and discomfort. Additionally, jewellery can create a barrier between the skin and the stoma bag, making monitoring the stoma’s output difficult. Therefore, avoiding jewellery for several weeks before and after the surgery is recommended.
- Dentures
If you wear dentures, it is essential to inform your surgeon before the ostomy surgery. Wearing dentures during surgery can be dangerous as they can block the airway or cause complications during anaesthesia. Additionally, dentures can cause vomiting and nausea, leading to complications during and after the surgery. Therefore, it is essential to remove dentures before the surgery.
- Glasses
If you wear glasses, it is essential to inform your surgeon before the ostomy surgery. Glasses can be a potential hazard during surgery as they can get in the way of the surgical team or the patient. Additionally, glasses can cause discomfort during the surgery, causing the patient to move or disrupt the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the glasses before the surgery.
- Hearing Aids
If you wear hearing aids, it is essential to inform your surgeon before the ostomy surgery. Hearing aids can be a potential hazard during surgery as they can get in the way of the surgical team or the patient. Additionally, hearing aids can cause discomfort during the surgery, causing the patient to move or disrupt the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to remove hearing aids before the surgery.
Conclusion
Ostomy surgery can be a life-saving procedure for individuals with bowel or urinary tract diseases or cancer treatment. However, there are several factors that you should consider before going into this surgery. Patients should avoid makeup, nail polish, jewellery, dentures, glasses, and hearing aids before the surgery.
Considering these factors, you can ensure a safe and successful ostomy surgery. Always inform your surgeon about any medical conditions or devices you use to ensure better results afterwards. Following simple steps and considering a few factors should help ensure the surgery succeeds without complications and outcomes.
Vickycares offers homecare services to help patients recover quicker from any procedure. Our ostomy and stoma specialists should assist in expediting the healing process. Learn more about our services by booking an appointment on our website today.