Glossary P
Pancaking
This is when the ouput collects around the stoma and sometimes squeezes
between the flange and the skin instead of going into the bag. One of
the reasons this happens is because there isn't enough air in the
pouch/bag and so the output doesn't take a downwards turn.
Lubricating your pouch/bag with baby oil or one of the many products
available from the various supply companies will help the motion to
fall to the bottom of the pouch/bag. Squirt a little oil or gel into
your pouch/bag and give it a good rub round before you stick it on.
Take care not to get any oil on the adhesive as this can reduce the
effectiveness of the seal.
Covering the filter with on of the sticky patches that are supplied
in each box of stoma bags will prevent a vacuum forming inside the
pouch/bag.
Parastomal hernias
A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall that allows the content to
bulge out. When associated with a stoma it is called a parastomal
hernia.
Perforated Bowel
A perforated bowel is a medical emergency, a hole in the bowel opens to
allow its contents to empty into the rest of the abdominal cavity. The
result is frequently sepsis or blood infection, which if not treated
can cause immediate death. A perforated bowel can occur as the result
of traumatic injury, crohn’s disease, or diverticulitis.
Symptoms of a perforated bowel include high fever and nausea. Those
afflicted will also experience extreme abdominal pain which worsens
when one moves. Intense vomiting may occur and result in dehydration.
These very serious symptoms need emergency treatment straight away,
particularly if one has causal factors like crohn’s disease or
diverticulitis.
PET scan
A PET scan is a complementary test. This means that it is usually used
alongside other tests such as X-rays or MRI scanning to make a
diagnosis. The main advantage of a PET scan over other scans such as
X-Ray or MRI scans, is that it can show how a part of your body is
actually working, rather than what it looks like.
PET scanning can be used to diagnose a health condition, or to find out
how widespread a condition is, or how it is developing. It is commonly
used to diagnose conditions, including cancer.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy or physical therapy is concerned with identifying and
maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of
promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and
rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional,
and social well being. Physiotherapy involves the interaction between
physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals,
families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement
potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and
skills unique to physiotherapists.
Polyp
This a tissue growth on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. It is
thought Polyps, grow very slowly, developing over several years.
Eventually, some of them can become cancerous.
Pouch or bag
There are many types of pouches/bags - most are referred to by the following names:-
- Closed
- Drainable
- Two piece system
- One piece system
All have advantages and disadvantages
-mix and match different pouches/bags for different occasions. There is
even a colostomy 'plug', however it is only produced by one
manufacturer and it should not be used without consulting a stoma care
nurse to ensure it is suitable for your type of stoma.
Preoperative tests
Preoperative tests are a set of tests that are carried out before you have a planned (sometimes called 'elective') operation. These tests may be done even if you appear to be healthy, to provide information about conditions that could affect the treatment you need. The tests that you have done before your operation will be determined by your age, your general health, any illnesses you have or any medication you are on, and the type of operation you are going to have.