Stoma blockages are a common issue for people living with stomas. They can be concerning, especially if they are painful. In this post, we will run through the key facts that you need to know so you can spot and treat a stoma blockage.
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A stoma blockage is also known as a bowel obstruction. It happens when poo is stopped from travelling through the bowels properly, causing output from your stoma to slow down or even stop completely. In a partial blockage, a small amount of output gets past the obstruction and results in a loose, mucus-like stool. On the other hand, in a complete bowel obstruction, there will be no output at all.
Bowel obstructions can occur in both the small and large bowel, meaning people with ileostomies and colostomies can get them. They are generally more serious for ileostomy patients than colostomy patients. Most blockages occur just below the stoma.
Poorly digested food is the main cause of stoma blockages. This may be because the food hasn’t been chewed properly before being swallowed. Pieces of food can then get stuck in the bowel, preventing it from functioning as it should.
Also, people with inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis are at a higher risk of obstructions because these can cause the bowel to become narrower. Similarly, if you have a parastomal hernia, this can cause strangulation of the bowel.
People who have recently had surgery are also more likely to experience bowel obstruction due to adhesions or strictures (scar tissue).
But how do you know if your stoma is blocked? The main symptom to keep an eye out for is your stoma output slowing down or stopping completely. You know your stoma best, so you should know what ‘normal’ looks like for you.
If you have a colostomy, the blockage may happen over a few days and you may notice symptoms of constipation at first. Because ileostomies are more active, blockages occur faster and are more noticeable. Your output may have significantly decreased or you might not have to drain your stoma bag as often. In a partial obstruction, you may pass some loose liquid and gas.
You may also experience stomach ache, cramping, bloating or swelling around your stoma. Nausea and vomiting are side effects of a blockage.
If your stoma is inactive for over 12 hours, you should urgently contact your stoma care nurse, GP or NHS 111.
You can follow these steps to try and clear your stoma blockage at home:
Read more about what to do if you have a bowel obstruction here
You should contact your stoma care nurse or GP for advice if you suspect your stoma is blocked and home treatment has not worked. They will assess your symptoms and tell you what your next steps should be. If your symptoms are severe, you may need medical attention – for example, if you have severe abdominal pain that is getting worse, your stoma has been inactive for 12 hours, or you are becoming dehydrated (this could be due to vomiting). If you are worried, call NHS 111.
In serious cases, untreated obstructions can result in a ruptured bowel.
If you are admitted to hospital, you may have an intravenous line inserted into a vein to replace lost fluids or administer pain medication. They will run a diagnostic test to find out what is causing the obstruction and depending on the results, may insert a tube into your intestine to try and relieve the blockage. Sometimes, bowel obstructions require surgery.
As we have mentioned, undigested food is the most common cause of bowel obstructions. For this reason, you should take care to chew thoroughly and break your food down into small pieces when eating. Take it slowly to give your body enough time to digest and drink plenty of fluids.
You should also be mindful of food that is more difficult for your gut to digest such as fruit or vegetable skins, nuts, seeds and high-fibre foods. Everyone’s stoma is different, so it’s a good idea to keep a note of what you eat so that if you do encounter any stoma problems like a blockage, you can keep track of what may have caused it.
Further information – Colostomy UK
Bowel obstructions and how to know if you have one – Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association
Stoma problems – StoCare
This information is for guidance and does not replace advice given by your healthcare professional.
