How to defecate with an artificial anus

Some colorectal cancer patients often undergo artificial anus surgery due to their condition. The surgery mainly uses the colon or small intestine to create an opening on the surface of the abdominal wall, thereby diverting the stool and achieving the purpose of defecation. Due to the particularity of the artificial anus, patients need to understand the methods of defecation and care to prevent bacteria from causing infection and worsening. In addition, artificial portal defecation should be regular, and patients are advised to develop the habit of regular bowel movements.

How to determine the position of the artificial anus

If the stoma is not positioned properly, it will not only increase the difficulty of postoperative stoma care and even make satisfactory stoma care impossible, but also cause additional pain and trouble to the patient. Therefore, correct and reasonable artificial anus positioning before operation is of great significance for improving the patient's quality of life after surgery and facilitating stoma care. Before the operation, the doctor, nurse or stoma therapist, family members and patient jointly select the stoma site. The specific requirements are as follows:

1) Regardless of the body position, the patient can see the entire stoma, making it easier to provide care;

2) There should be enough flat skin area around the stoma to facilitate the adhesion of the stoma base plate and extend the use time of the base plate;

3) The patient does not feel any special discomfort when the stoma base plate is attached to the stoma skin.

When positioning, you should be careful to avoid the following areas: women should avoid sagging breasts; areas where surgical incisions may be made; rib margins; skin folds; the outer side of the rectus abdominis; where the belt is tied; the iliac joint; scars; navel; areas with hernias; areas with chronic skin diseases; and the pubic symphysis.

In addition, the patient should first be positioned according to the above principles when lying flat, then the patient should be positioned while sitting, and finally the patient should be positioned while standing. Only when the stoma position can meet the stoma positioning principles in the above different body conditions, the stoma positioning is satisfactory.

How to defecate with artificial liver portal

The artificial anus is usually opened 2 to 3 days after the operation when the intestinal function is restored. When opening, it is advisable to lie on the left side and separate the stoma from the abdominal incision with plastic film in advance; the abdominal incision is closed with special tape to prevent fecal contamination; the stoma is covered with vaseline gauze, and the surrounding skin is applied with zinc oxide ointment to prevent immersion and erosion; after each bowel movement, wash the skin with warm water and wipe dry, and change the dressing in time.

When the patient can get up, use an artificial anal bag appropriately, place the bag opening on the stoma to collect feces, and tie the anal bag around the waist with an elastic band. The tightness should be appropriate. When feces accumulates in the anal bag, clean it and replace it in time. Artificial anal bags are made of rubber or plastic, and it is difficult for water to evaporate. Therefore, they should not be used continuously for a long time to avoid erosion of the fistula mucosa or surrounding skin. Generally, multiple anal bags should be kept for alternating use. 1-2 weeks after the operation, an anal tube is inserted through the fistula opening and about 500 ml of isotonic saline is injected regularly to gradually establish a regular bowel movement habit. After the stool has formed, the anal bag is no longer needed. Only the artificial anus needs to be covered with a dressing and secured with a belly band.

Daily care methods for artificial anus

1. The diet should consist of high-protein, high-calorie, low-fat, and easily digestible foods, and should be increased or decreased based on the nature, frequency, and amount of stool.

2. Maintain a happy mood and mental balance. Especially patients who have undergone artificial anus should have the courage to accept the fact and master the management of the new excretion route. The skin around the artificial anus should be kept clean and dry. You can apply talcum powder or zinc oxide ointment to the skin to prevent skin erosion.

3. Develop the habit of regular bowel movements and insist on expanding the artificial anus with fingers to prevent stenosis.

4. Review every 2 to 3 months, every six months in the second year, and once a year in the third year, and continue for life.

5. Adhere to and complete each course of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other consolidation treatments to prevent recurrence (see radiotherapy and chemotherapy knowledge education for details).

6. If any abnormality is found in the artificial anus, you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time.