Ostomies not just IBD?

[nogutsnoglory]

I always thought ostomies were used for those with IBD and colon cancer. Are there other reasons people get these? I'd assume the majority are IBD patients?

 

[2thFairy]

I had a small bowel resection years ago due to an error in surgery for hysterectomy. The surgeon contemplated giving me an ostomy at that time, but was able to fix everything in surgery without one.

Colectomy secondary to familial adenomatous polyposis is one reason, though the reason for that is to prevent cancer.

Colectomy due to diverticulitis is another reason for colostomy without IBD or cancer.

 

[PsychoJane]

I know it can occur for certain malformation such as imperforate anus, also for diseases like hirshshprung (sp.?) disease and well, physical trauma due to accidents but yeah, most that have that surgery are IBD and Colorectal cancer patients.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I've seen patients in our ostomy support group have ostomies due to spina bifida surgery,recta/anal cancer, automobile accidents, certain cancers that have spread to the colon (not colon cancer) I just can't remember right now, diverticulitis, a perforation in the large colon that couldn't be fixed, and due to a surgeon clipping the colon during a hysterectomy where he had the nerve to tell this poor woman that she won't have a life with the bag. It took us over 1 hr. to calm this person down as she was in tears. She was better after we told her that she can lead a normal life with an appliance.

We had an 80+ yr. old member travel all over the world and her next vacation was to climb a mountain in Africa. All I could say was WOW!!