cecostomy

cecostomy /ce·cos·to·my/ (se-kos´tah-me) surgical creation of an artificial opening or fistula into the cecum.

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ce·cos·to·my (s-kst-m)

n.

Surgical formation of a permanent artificial opening into the cecum. Also called typhlostomy.

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cecostomy

[sēkos′təmē]

Etymology: L, caecus + Gk, stoma, mouth

the surgical construction of an opening into the cecum, performed as a temporary measure to relieve intestinal obstruction in a patient who cannot tolerate major surgery. Twenty-four hours before surgery, if time permits, only clear liquids allowed. Cleansing enemas and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to reduce the number of bacteria in the bowel. IV fluids and electrolytes are given, and a nasointestinal tube is inserted. With the patient under local anesthesia, a tube is inserted into the cecum to allow drainage of feces. The procedure may also be done to decompress the large bowel and prevent distention until peristalsis is restored after intestinal surgery. After surgery, the tube is connected to a drainage bag. The nurse irrigates the cecostomy tube with saline solution as necessary, allowing the solution to flow in and out by gravity, if possible. Frequent dressing changes are needed to keep the skin clean and dry. An ileostomy bag may be used. When edema and inflammation have subsided, the obstruction (usually cancer) is resected, the healthy sections of the bowel reconnected, and the cecostomy closed. Also called caecostomy. See also abdominal surgery, intestinal obstruction.

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cecostomy

surgical creation of an artificial opening or fistula into the cecum.