stoma /sto·ma/ (sto´mah) pl. sto´mas, sto´mata [Gr.] a mouthlike opening, particularly an incised opening which is kept open for drainage or other purposes.sto´mal 
Stoma
stoma
stoma [sto´mah] (pl. stomas, sto´mata) (Gr.)
)
Stoma resulting from a descending colostomy.
sto·ma (st  m )n. pl. sto·mas or sto·ma·ta (-m -t) 1. A minute opening or pore, as in the surface of a membrane. 2. A mouthlike opening, such as the oral cavity of a nematode. 3. A surgically constructed opening, especially one made in the abdominal wall to permit the passage of waste. sto mal adj. |
Stoma
When the entire larynx must be surgically removed, an opening is surgically created in the neck so that the windpipe can be brought out to the neck. This opening is called the stoma.
stoma
[stō′mə] pl. stomas, stomata
Etymology: Gk, mouth
1 a pore, orifice, or opening on a surface.
2 an artificial opening of an internal organ on the surface of the body created surgically, such as for a colostomy, ileostomy, or tracheostomy.
3 a new opening created surgically between two body structures, such as for a gastroenterostomy, pancreaticogastrostomy, pancreatoduodenostomy, or pyeloureterostomy.
stoma [sto´mah] (pl. stomas, sto´mata) (Gr.)
1. a mouthlike opening.
2. an incised opening that is kept open for drainage or other purposes, such as the opening in the abdominal wall for colostomy, ureterostomy, and ileal conduit. adj., adj sto´mal.
Patient Care. Immediately after a stoma has been created it is observed for changes in color, edema, evidence of prolapse or stenosis, character of output, and condition of the surrounding skin. Normal coloration for a new stoma varies from dark pink to red, similar to the color of healthy mucous membranes. Later the stoma should shrink in size and become less highly colored. A noticeable lightening or blanching of color could indicate inadequate blood supply to the tissues of the stoma itself. A deepening of color to a purplish hue may indicate obstruction to the flow of blood and resultant ischemia. The blood supply must be restored as soon as possible to avoid necrosis.
At first the stoma will be slightly edematous and will appear larger than a healed stoma. The most common cause of abnormal swelling of the stoma is application of a collection device whose opening is too narrow to accommodate the stoma. To prevent edema and restricted blood supply, the opening of the collection device should be at least 1/8 inch larger than the circumference of the stoma.
Prolapse of the stoma results from a surgical incision that is too large or from inadequately securing the stoma to the abdominal wall. Decreased development of the abdominal musculature and an increase in intraabdominal pressure are factors that make this more common in children than adults. It becomes evident when an increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity causes a segment of intestine to protrude a noticeable distance beyond its usual position. Coughing, sneezing, and vigorous peristalsis can contribute to stomal prolapse. When it occurs it is not necessarily an emergency situation; the intestine can be gently manipulated back into place by an experienced health care worker such as a nurse, enterostomal therapist, or surgeon. If the condition persists and causes serious problems, surgical repair may be necessary.
Stenosis is one of the most common problems associated with a stoma. The cause is formation of scar tissue at the point at which the segment of intestine passes through the abdominal wall. Treatment may consist of progressive dilation of the opening to break down structures causing the stricture. Stomal stenosis must be relieved; otherwise the opening may become obstructed and drainage impeded or prohibited.
The character of output from an intestinal stoma will depend on the location of the stoma along the intestinal tract. The farther along the tract the stoma is located, the more solid the fecal material should be. Patients are taught to distinguish between normal and abnormal output from the stoma.
Periostomal skin care is essential to preserve the integrity of the skin, which can be exposed to the caustic action of urine or fecal material. The two major principles of periostomal skin care are cleanliness and provision of a protective barrier. If there is a proper seal to prevent seepage of either urine or feces around the stoma, irritation and breakdown of the skin occur much less frequently. Possible causes of skin problems include removing the appliance too roughly or changing faceplates too frequently, allergic reaction to a particular adhesive or other substance, and yeast infections. Soap and water are used to cleanse and thoroughly rinse the skin. The area is patted, not rubbed, dry. Protective barriers are available in a number of forms and shapes. The base usually is pectin, which repels moisture and other harmful substances.
Specific aspects of care will depend on the type of stoma and the purpose for which it was created. All patients with a stoma (“ostomates”) will need instruction in self-care and continued support as they adjust to new ways to handle fecal or urinary waste. They will need to know how to obtain and care for collection devices, how to protect the skin around the stoma, and dietary restrictions to control odor and obstruction. They will also need to be aware of potential complications and signs and symptoms that should be reported. Goals for patient care include developing in these patients an attitude of independence and freedom from restrictions on their physical, social, and recreational activities after discharge from the hospital.
There is a health care specialty designed to meet the needs of patients with stomas. Ostomy clubs composed of ostomates and their families and conducted under the guidance of enterostomal therapists are available in many communities. At regularly held meetings the members find assistance in resolving their physical problems, and gain psychological support from one another in adjusting to their new body image. Those members of the club who have been able to adjust to their stomas are frequently available for visits to patients who are in the hospital or have just returned home after surgery.
Information about local resources available to the ostomate can be obtained from the American Cancer Society's Rehabilitation Program and from other agencies concerned with meeting the needs of patients with stomas. The United Ostomy Association, Inc., is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and advocacy for people who have had or will have intestinal or urinary diversions. They can be contacted by writing to United Ostomy Association, Inc., 19772 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612-2405, or consulting their web site at http://www.uoa.org.
At first the stoma will be slightly edematous and will appear larger than a healed stoma. The most common cause of abnormal swelling of the stoma is application of a collection device whose opening is too narrow to accommodate the stoma. To prevent edema and restricted blood supply, the opening of the collection device should be at least 1/8 inch larger than the circumference of the stoma.
Prolapse of the stoma results from a surgical incision that is too large or from inadequately securing the stoma to the abdominal wall. Decreased development of the abdominal musculature and an increase in intraabdominal pressure are factors that make this more common in children than adults. It becomes evident when an increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity causes a segment of intestine to protrude a noticeable distance beyond its usual position. Coughing, sneezing, and vigorous peristalsis can contribute to stomal prolapse. When it occurs it is not necessarily an emergency situation; the intestine can be gently manipulated back into place by an experienced health care worker such as a nurse, enterostomal therapist, or surgeon. If the condition persists and causes serious problems, surgical repair may be necessary.
Stenosis is one of the most common problems associated with a stoma. The cause is formation of scar tissue at the point at which the segment of intestine passes through the abdominal wall. Treatment may consist of progressive dilation of the opening to break down structures causing the stricture. Stomal stenosis must be relieved; otherwise the opening may become obstructed and drainage impeded or prohibited.
The character of output from an intestinal stoma will depend on the location of the stoma along the intestinal tract. The farther along the tract the stoma is located, the more solid the fecal material should be. Patients are taught to distinguish between normal and abnormal output from the stoma.
Periostomal skin care is essential to preserve the integrity of the skin, which can be exposed to the caustic action of urine or fecal material. The two major principles of periostomal skin care are cleanliness and provision of a protective barrier. If there is a proper seal to prevent seepage of either urine or feces around the stoma, irritation and breakdown of the skin occur much less frequently. Possible causes of skin problems include removing the appliance too roughly or changing faceplates too frequently, allergic reaction to a particular adhesive or other substance, and yeast infections. Soap and water are used to cleanse and thoroughly rinse the skin. The area is patted, not rubbed, dry. Protective barriers are available in a number of forms and shapes. The base usually is pectin, which repels moisture and other harmful substances.
Specific aspects of care will depend on the type of stoma and the purpose for which it was created. All patients with a stoma (“ostomates”) will need instruction in self-care and continued support as they adjust to new ways to handle fecal or urinary waste. They will need to know how to obtain and care for collection devices, how to protect the skin around the stoma, and dietary restrictions to control odor and obstruction. They will also need to be aware of potential complications and signs and symptoms that should be reported. Goals for patient care include developing in these patients an attitude of independence and freedom from restrictions on their physical, social, and recreational activities after discharge from the hospital.
There is a health care specialty designed to meet the needs of patients with stomas. Ostomy clubs composed of ostomates and their families and conducted under the guidance of enterostomal therapists are available in many communities. At regularly held meetings the members find assistance in resolving their physical problems, and gain psychological support from one another in adjusting to their new body image. Those members of the club who have been able to adjust to their stomas are frequently available for visits to patients who are in the hospital or have just returned home after surgery.
Information about local resources available to the ostomate can be obtained from the American Cancer Society's Rehabilitation Program and from other agencies concerned with meeting the needs of patients with stomas. The United Ostomy Association, Inc., is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and advocacy for people who have had or will have intestinal or urinary diversions. They can be contacted by writing to United Ostomy Association, Inc., 19772 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612-2405, or consulting their web site at http://www.uoa.org.
Locations of stomas in the gastrointestinal tract. From Lammon et al., 1995.
stoma (sto´m
),n a tiny surface opening or pore. It may occur naturally or be the result of a surgical incision, as in a colostomy, or as the result of an abscess.
Stoma is the Greek word for “oral cavity.”
Stoma is the Greek word for “oral cavity.”
stoma
pl. stomas, stomata [Gr.]
1. a mouthlike opening.
2. an incised opening that is kept open for drainage or other purposes, such as the opening in the abdominal wall for colostomy, ureterostomy and ileal conduit.
stoma
Ostomy Surgery A surgically created opening of a hollow viscus organ to the outside of the body. See Colostomy, Urostomy.
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