A prolapsed stoma happens when part of the bowel falls out of the stoma site. This makes the stoma look longer and wider. A prolapsed stoma can happen for several different reasons including weakened abdominal muscles, sudden exertion, and pregnancy.
What should I do if I think I have a prolapsed stoma?
If you think you have a prolapsed stoma you should contact your Stoma Care Nurse or other Healthcare Professional. A prolapsed stoma isn’t usually too concerning or painful. However, if it is painful, turns purple or black, or stops functioning you should immediately contact your Stoma Care Nurse or GP. If out of hours contact the Accident and Emergency department.
If your stoma continues to function normally and looks healthy then there shouldn’t be any cause for worry. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce the size of it.
You can try lying on your back and focus on relieving the pressure on your stomach muscles. You can also gently press and manipulate your stomach to see if the prolapse will retract by itself. Lift the stoma and apply gentle downward pressure to the prolapsed end.
Sometimes the stoma becomes swollen which can prevent it from retracting. Sugar can be used to draw water out of the stoma which can reduce the swelling.
Please do not attempt this if you’re diabetic.
Pour a few tablespoons of sugar (icing sugar works best) onto the stoma and leave for 20 to 30 minutes. In this time the sugar will turn into a syrup, once the stoma has shrunk you can try to gently press it back into the abdomen.
Once you’ve managed to reduce your prolapse remain lying on the bed for 30 minutes to allow it to settle and avoid it happening again immediately.
What products can help support a prolapsed stoma?
As a prolapsed stoma is larger and wider you’ll need to remeasure your stoma to ensure the hole in the stoma bag is cut to the right size. If you use a home delivery service, like SecuriCare, which cuts your bags for you make sure you update your details with them. Aura Plus stoma bags have large customisable flanges so should be able to accommodate a larger hole.
Can I do anything to prevent a prolapsed stoma?
It may not always be possible to prevent a prolapsed stoma but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. We have free guides available that can help you improve your core strength. Our Breathing and Movements Guide has been developed in partnership between Andy, a qualified Pilates Instructor, and Stoma Care Nurses and can help you improve breathing, core connection, stability and strength. Our Yoga Guide is also a great tool to help you strengthen your core and support the stoma area.
