About Ostomy

If you have surgery to remove all or part of your small intestine, colon, rectum or bladder, you must have a new way for wastes to leave your body. Ostomy is the surgery to create the new opening (called a stoma) in the abdomen. A pouch is attached to the stoma to collect wastes.

Types of Ostomy

• The type of ostomy depends on what is being removed and what is being attached to the stoma. Ileostomy is the removal of the colon and rectum with attachment of the bottom of the small intestine (ileum) to the stoma. Colostomy is the removal of the rectum with attachment of the colon to the stoma. Urostomy attaches the tubes that carry urine to the bladder (ureters) to either the small intestine or the abdominal wall.

Pouching Systems

• Different types of pouching systems are available and vary depending on the needs of the individual. Pouching systems include a skin barrier/wafer and a collection pouch. The pouch attaches to the abdomen by the skin barrier and is fitted over and around the stoma to collect the diverted stool or urine.

Diet after Ostomy

• After urostomy surgery, no eating restrictions apply but drinking plenty of liquids is important. People who have colostomy or ileostomy surgery require an adjustment period to return to their normal diet, introducing foods back into the diet gradually and monitoring the effect of each food.

Bathing

• You can bathe or shower with or without your pouching system in place. Normal exposure to air or soap and water does not harm the stoma, and water does not enter the opening.

Support and Help

• The United Ostomy Associations of America offers more information, referrals to local support groups, and ostomy visitors who can share their experience with you.