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Whether you have a new or old stoma, it can have changes in its shape and size. There can be different reasons for these changes.

 

Changes in the shape and size occur mostly in the new stoma. During the first few weeks after surgery, you may notice these changes. It is generally due to the swelling right after surgery. This swelling takes about six weeks to subside. During this time, you are going to have to measure the base of your stoma regularly to make sure that you are creating the flange’s opening of the correct size. Generally, the opening of the skin barrier you will use has to be 1/8 inch larger than the base of your stoma. Keeping the opening size smaller than this can result in irritation to the peristomal skin area.

A settled stoma, too, can change its shape, and this change may occur over time. The most common reason for the size change of a regular stoma is weight gain. A weight gain of ten pounds can result in the flushing of the stoma. Weight gain can also result in the change of contours in the skin around the stoma. If such a thing happens, you will no longer be able to use your regular ostomy pouch. If you have gained weight of more than ten pounds after surgery, you may want to contact your ostomy care nurse to re-evaluate your pouching system. Same like the weight gain, weight loss can also result in the change in the shape and size of the stoma and skin contours. It will also lead your pouching system to require evaluation.

A stoma can change its shape with the changes that occur in the body due to pregnancy. That will make it necessary for a pregnant woman to go for a regular re-evaluation of the stoma and pouching system. The weight gain during pregnancy can result in the stoma to become flush, or even retracted. That is why pregnant women with ostomies need to be highly proactive when it comes to the re-evaluation of their stomas and pouching systems.

A stoma can also lengthen. This process is known as the prolapsing of the stoma. This condition results in the stoma telescoping when you stand or right after you cough. The stoma generally returns to its usual size when you lie down. You may need to contact your nurse if you notice your stoma prolapsing. A re-evaluation of your stoma and pouching system may become necessary.

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