Question: Can a stoma still have stenosis if sometimes a finger can fit in and other times it can't?
Answer: Based on the forum discussions, it is possible to have a stenosis even if the ability to insert a finger into the stoma varies. Stenosis can fluctuate in severity, and the difficulty in inserting a finger could indicate a partial narrowing that changes over time. Here are some insights from the discussions:
- Stenosis can cause partial blockages, especially with solid foods, leading to symptoms like pain and difficulty passing stool.
- Imaging such as CT scans may not always detect stenosis, and manual examination can provide additional information.
- Surgical intervention, such as stoma revision or relocation, is sometimes necessary if conservative measures fail.
- Some members have managed stenosis with self-dilation techniques, but this is typically a temporary solution.
- Persistent symptoms and changes in stoma size or function should be evaluated by a colorectal surgeon to determine the best course of action.
Consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial to assess the need for further intervention or surgery.
Check out these links for more information:
- Stoma Stenosis and Retraction: Seeking Advice and Experiences (May 17, 2025)
- Stenosis and the Need for Additional Surgery (November 02, 2017)
- Constipation with an Ileostomy: Anyone Experienced This? (June 02, 2025)
- Complications from ileostomy - Stricture and adhesions require redo surgery (February 19, 2018)
- Dealing with Ileum Stricture After Ostomy Surgery (August 14, 2013)
- Ileostomy Bag Pain and Stoma Size Changes (April 13, 2025)
- Why Does Ostomy Often Lead to More Intestinal Blockages? (November 27, 2018)
- Blocked Ostomy Symptoms? (September 22, 2020)
- Ileostomy blockage symptoms and duration? (September 09, 2017)
- Experiences with Bowel Dilation After Ileostomy? (August 23, 2015)
