United Ostomy Association, Inc.
Evansville, Indiana Chapter
Re-Route

 
Contents:

COLON CANCER SCREENING MAY CHANGE WITH DNA TEST
AN ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF….
ABOUT FISTULAS
GOOD OL’ SUMMERTIME
WHAT OSTOMATES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DRUGS
WHY CRANBERRIES HELP PREVENT URINARY INFECTIONS
CARTOONSVILLE

Re-Route Archive

Volume 28, Number 10  June, 2001

COLON CANCER SCREENING MAY CHANGE WITH DNA TEST
Source: Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Feb. 2001, Via: Lorain County Ostomy Association
Mayo Clinic researchers are heading a nationwide clinical trial of a new DNA test they believe could save thousands of lives each year. The test, which requires only a stool sample, detects DNA that’s shed from precancerous colon polyps and early stage colon cancer. In a clinical pilot study, Mayo Clinic researchers found that the test detected 91 percent of cancers throughout the colon. The test also detected 73 percent of the polyps. In addition, there were no false-positive results (results indicating a problem when there wasn’t one). That contrasts with false-positives of 5 percent to 10 percent from current colon and rectal cancer screening tests that check for blood in the stool. A false-positive generally leads to unnecessary colonscopy—an invasive and more expensive test used to evaluate the colon. Although the DNA test is likely to be more expensive than tests that check for blood in the stool, Mayo Clinic doctors say that accuracy of the new test would reduce unnecessary follow-up exams. And when the results are positive, a follow-up colonscopy would allow for early detection and removal of polyps, avoiding future surgeries for more advanced colon or rectal cancer. Assuming the clinical trial backs up initial findings, it will be at least 2 to 3 years before the DNA test becomes widely available.

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AN ARTIFICIAL SPHINCTER
Via: So. NV, Town Karaya & WOA Worcester, MA
Of great interest to ostomates who have had their rectums removed is a recent procedure under development in England. The surgery gives the patient a new sphincter, the muscle that controls bowel movement. Muscle is taken from the patient’s thigh and sewn around the patient’s large intestine at the exit. Wires connect the muscle to a pacemaker-like device called an electrical stimulation that controls its movement. The device, implanted under the skin near the ribs, charges the muscle with electricity that enables it to stay closed. When the patient feels the need for bowel movement, he passes a hand held magnet over the stimulator, shutting it off. This allows the muscle to relax and the bowel movement to occur. The patient then passes the magnet back over the stimulator, the muscle contracts, and the opening closes. “This operation offers new hope to patients whose only other alternative would be a permanent colostomy.” declared Dr. Norman Williams, a professor of surgery at the Royal London Hospital, who developed the technique with E. Sidney Watkins, a professor of neuro-surgery. Dr. Williams said, “We’ve done the procedure on 22 patients and the success rate is now up to 70%.
 

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF....
Excerpted from an article by Ellice Feiveson, Metro MD, Via: Owensboro KY, Rosette Gazette
Trust me, every ostomate has had or will have an “ostomy accident.” By accident, I mean a pouch leak of some kind. The question is “Are you prepared in case an accident occurs away from home?” Not so much prepared as far as having a change of clothes and extra pouches, but prepared emotionally to deal with the unexpected mishap. The reality of it is that every ostomate must think of what he or she would do if at a party, in a restaurant, work or anywhere else, your pouch leaked because it was not on securely, or the clasp came off and the contents were spilling out. The question is what do you do if you feel your pouch is not on securely or you feel wet around your pouch? First of all, you think that everyone is noticing you and knows what’s happening. Actually, you are probably the only one who knows what’s happening. Stay calm, go to the nearest bathroom and take care of business. Most likely, your friends are continuing their conversation in the restaurant or in your workplace and no one knows you are temporarily missing. When I encountered an accident while I was in a group situation, I just removed myself and took my time in freshening up and rejoined my friends. No explanation is ever necessary! The more outings you take and the more public situations you are in, the more confident you will be as time goes on!
 

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ABOUT FISTULAS
From the Mayo Clinic Newsletter “Health Oasis” Via: Worcester Ostomy Assoc., & GB News Review (Excerpted) What is an anal Fistula? Is there a cure? A fistula is an abnormal, tubular connection between two organs or between an internal organ and the outside surface of the body. An anal fistula is commonly a passage between the anal canal and the skin near the anus. It’s usually the result of an anorectal abscess that drains through the skin. The cause of such an abscess may be an infection that began within the anal canal or rectum, or even from a more distant location in the small or large intestine as a result of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Treatment may include surgical drainage of the abscess and antibiotics. If the problem is a complication of IBD, treatment of the underlying condition usually is necessary to resolve the problem and prevent recurrence.
 

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GOOD OL' SUMMERTIME
Via: Hamilton Area Chapter & Indianapolis UOA Chapter The appliance against your skin may cause excessive perspiration and even a heat rash in the summertime. Utilizing a light-weight cover of absorbent material rial help to keep you cool. There are commercial appliance covers on the market, but anyone with even a limited sewing ability can make a satisfactory cover for little money. Itching around the faceplate is also a common complaint during the summer months. Individuals using paper tape have found by applying calamine lotion on top of the tape, the lotion soaks through and helps to alleviate itching. A light dusting of cornstarch or medicated powder also may help. With excessive perspiration further increasing the risk of dehydration, remember to drink plenty of liquids during the summer months. Unless your doctor has special instructions to the contrary, take extra salt with your meals.
 

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WHAT OSTOMATES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DRUGS
Via: St. Paul Pacesetter & Indianapolis UOA Chapter
Liquids are faster acting than pills or gel caps. The degree of compression of a tablet determines the rate that medicine is dissolved in one’s system. Vitamins should be taken on a full stomach or else they will irritate the lining of the stomach and produce the sensation of feeling hungry. The amount of absorption is based on the amount of intestines still intact; therefore, the type of drugs taken must be in accordance with how much absorption “power” you have. Time-release capsules are NOT for the ileostomate. Time-release medicine will completely dissolve at once if alcohol is consumed with it shortly afterwards. Most medication is available in a variety of forms. Be sure to tell your pharmacist that you have an ostomy so he or she can provide the right form or prescribed medication. The following precautions are offered to avoid food and drug interactions that can reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs. Don’t mix medicine into hot beverages. Heat can destroy or alter drug ingredients. Don’t stir medications into food, which can destroy the time-release mechanism of certain drugs. Read all directions, warnings and precautions about your medication
 

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WHY CRANBERRIES PREVENT URINARY INFECTIONS
Via: OAB Bulletin, Dallas, TX.
The secret ingredient in cranberries which is pivotal in preventing urinary infections is concentrated tannins in the juice, also known as proanthrocyanidins. In a significant study conducted in Boston and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, cranberry juice was found to be effective in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections and the need for antibiotic treatments. This has important implications for persons with continent diversions and ostomies for several reasons. Recurrent urinary tract infections can be common with persons who catheterize frequently. These can be more prominent if proper hand washing and cleaning of the catheters is not performed routinely. Furthermore, a large proportion of women over 65 years of age, a major representation, will experience at least one urinary tract infection each year. How does this special ingredient in cranberry juice work? The concentrated tannins from cranberry juice prevent E. Coli bacteria, the main culprit in urinary infections, from adhering to the cells that line the urinary tract. Scientists believe that the substance blocks the growth of the part of the bacteria that is necessary for it to stick to the walls of the bladder and kidney. What are the implications of this for persons who may be more susceptible to urinary tract infections? Scientists in the Boston study state that the addition of cranberry juice to dietary regimens in circumstances where urinary tract infections have a high incidence would be sensible. In addition, it would probably reduce both the incidence of infections and need for antibiotic treatments and be a useful adjunct to treatment in high risk groups.
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