How To Avoid Ostomy
Avoiding the need for an ostomy (a surgical opening for waste elimination) depends on managing or preventing the underlying conditions that might require one. An ostomy is usually done for serious issues with the digestive or urinary systems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, injury, or infection.
Here’s how to reduce the chance you might need an ostomy:
🛑 How to Avoid an Ostomy
1. Manage Digestive Health Conditions Early
- Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis can lead to surgeries needing an ostomy.
- Work closely with your gastroenterologist to:
- Control inflammation with meds
- Avoid complications like strictures, fistulas, or perforations
- Follow dietary and lifestyle recommendations
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber (unless restricted for your condition)
- Stay hydrated to support digestion and regular bowel movements
- Avoid foods that worsen symptoms if you have GI disease
3. Prevent Colon or Rectal Cancer
- Follow screening guidelines (e.g., colonoscopy starting at age 45–50 or earlier with family history)
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Maintain healthy weight and exercise
4. Prevent Trauma and Injury
- Take safety precautions to avoid abdominal injuries that may require emergency ostomy
5. Treat Infections Promptly
- Untreated infections (abscesses, severe infections) in the bowel can lead to surgery and ostomy
6. Follow Medical Advice Carefully
- If you have surgery or medical conditions affecting your bowel or bladder, follow post-op and treatment plans to reduce complications.
Summary: Key Steps to Reduce Ostomy Risk
| Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Manage chronic bowel diseases | Prevents severe damage or complications |
| Eat healthy, stay hydrated | Supports overall digestive health |
| Screen for colorectal cancer | Detects early problems |
| Avoid injuries | Prevents emergency surgeries |
| Treat infections early | Avoids worsening disease |