The first 24 hours with a stoma

A stoma operation is a big step for many people. Not only the operation itself, but especially the first few hours afterward can be nerve-wracking. Many people wonder beforehand exactly what to expect when they wake up after the operation.

In this article, we explain step by step what usually happens in the first 24 hours after stoma surgery. The information is based on information provided by Dutch hospitals and the Stoma Association.

What happens immediately after the operation

After a stoma operation, you usually wake up in the recovery room. Here, nurses and doctors check whether you are recovering well from the anesthesia and whether your body is responding stably to the surgery.

You may feel sleepy and sometimes a bit confused. That is normal after anesthesia. Many people also experience a dry mouth or mild nausea.

During this first phase, your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, among other things, are monitored. As soon as everything is stable, you will return to the ward.

Which tubes and devices can you have

After stoma surgery, it is normal to have various aids that support your recovery.

Many patients have an IV. You receive fluids, pain relief, and sometimes medication through this IV.

Additionally, you may temporarily have a catheter. This is a small tube that drains urine from the bladder so that you do not have to go to the toilet yourself immediately.

Sometimes a drain is also placed. This is a thin tube that drains wound fluid from the surgical area.

These aids are usually temporary and are removed as soon as your recovery is progressing well.

The first time you see your stoma

For many people, it is nerve-wracking to see their stoma for the first time. That is a very normal reaction.

A stoma usually looks red and moist. This is because it is intestinal tissue. The color often resembles the inside of your cheek. Because it contains many small blood vessels, the stoma can appear bright red.

In the first few days after the operation, the stoma may also be somewhat swollen. This is part of the recovery process and usually subsides gradually.

A stoma nurse often helps during this first moment. They calmly explain what is normal and how to care for the stoma.

What comes out of the stoma in the first hours

Many people wonder when the stoma will start working. In the first few hours, it is possible that very little is happening.

Over time, air may come out of the stoma. This is often a sign that the bowel is starting to function again after the surgery.

After that, a stool may follow. What this looks like depends on the type of stoma.

With a colostomy, the stool is often firmer.

With an ileostomy, the stool is usually thinner or mushy.

This is normal and is closely monitored by nurses during recovery.

The first time out of bed after the operation

Although it might sound strange, nurses often try to let patients sit or stand for a moment quite soon after surgery.

Exercise helps the body recover. It stimulates the intestines, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of complications such as thrombosis.

The first time out of bed is always supervised by a nurse.

Many people notice that this moment can be nerve-wracking, but often it turns out not to be so bad afterwards.

Pain and recovery on the first day

Pain is normal after surgery. Therefore, patients usually receive pain relief via an IV, tablet, or pump that allows them to administer a small dose of pain medication themselves.

The goal of pain relief is to ensure you have sufficient comfort to move, breathe, and rest.

If the pain is too severe, you can always let the nurse know. Good pain management is an important part of recovery.

What you learn from the stoma nurse

In the first few days after the operation, you will be guided by a stoma nurse. This nurse specializes in stoma care.

They help you learn how to manage the stoma step by step.

Topics that are usually explained are, for example:

• how a stoma bag is changed
• how to protect the skin around the stoma
• how to recognize a leak
• which signals are important to look out for

You don't have to be able to do all of this yourself right away. Learning to care for a stoma happens step by step.

The first 24 hours are often mainly about getting used to things.

The first day after a stoma operation is primarily focused on recovery and adjusting to the new situation.

Many people find themselves overwhelmed by a lot of information in a short period of time. That is normal. That is why you receive guidance from nurses and stoma nurses who help you every step of the way.

After the first day, the next phase of recovery usually begins, during which you learn more and more about caring for the stoma and living daily with it yourself.

The founder of this platform was already home after just one day the second time she had a stoma fitted!