STOMA OBSTRUCTION ADVICE

Understanding Stoma Obstruction

When your stoma slows down or stops entirely, it is like a traffic jam in your digestive plumbing. You may feel bloated, crampy, or nauseous, and see little to no output in your stoma bag. Recognising these signs early can help you take the right steps before things get worse.

What Causes a Stoma Obstruction?

  • Undigested food blocking the flow

  • Inflammation, swelling or scarring of the intestine above the stoma

  • A twist or bend in the intestine above the stoma

Types of Obstruction

  1. Complete Obstruction: No output at all, leaving you feeling distended and uncomfortable.

  2. Partial Obstruction Some thin, watery discharge, often green or yellow bile, may still pass.

Seeing bile alone is not alarming if stool is not mixed in, especially after fasting. It can, however, produce a strong smell when you empty your bag.

Early Warning Signs

  • Sudden bloating or sharp cramps around your stoma

  • Nausea or episodes of vomiting

  • Noticeable drop in stoma output

  • Unusual colours or odours from your stoma bag

Immediate Actions

  • Contact a stoma nurse specialist if symptoms persist. You can always reach out to our TWINS nurses for advice.

  • Head to the emergency department if you experience severe pain, dehydration, or ongoing vomiting.

Hospital Treatment Pathway

  • IV Fluids to maintain hydration when you can’t eat or drink.

  • Imaging (X-ray or CT scan) to pinpoint the blockage.

  • Pain Relief & Anti-Emetics (Anti-nausea) to ease discomfort and nausea.

  • Nasogastric Tube insertion to decompress your stomach.

  • Stoma Catheter placement to release trapped gas and fluid until normal flow returns.

Surgery is rarely the first option; most obstructions resolve with conservative measures and symptom management.

Reducing Your Risk

  • Chew all food thoroughly, avoid large, uncut bites.

  • Drink a sufficient amount of fluids (normally 1.5-2 litres) to keep your digestive tract moving.

  • Limit high-risk foods like fibrous vegetables, nuts, seeds, and popcorn.

  • Track your meals and stoma output in a food diary to identify triggers.

When to Seek Emergency Help

  • No stoma output for over 6 hours with intense pain

  • Continuous vomiting or signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine)

  • Fever, chills, or redness/swelling around your stoma

By staying alert to these signs and following your personalised care plan, you will be empowered to tackle obstructions quickly, keeping you comfortable and in control.