What is stomostomy?

Ostomy, also called stoma, is the surgical creation of an artificial opening on the body which allows the discharge of waste products. The opening may be created because the body's natural route for the discharge of waste has become obstructed or non-functional, or to divert the flow of waste from a diseased or injured part of the body.

There are many different types of ostomies, each named according to the location of the stoma. The most common types are:

* Colostomy: A stoma created on the colon. This type of ostomy is used when the rectum or anus has been removed or is not functioning properly.

* Ileocolostomy: A stoma created on the small intestine and colon. This type of ostomy is used when the ileocecal valve, which is the valve that controls the flow of waste from the small intestine to the colon, is not functioning properly.

* Urostomy: A stoma created on the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This type of ostomy is used when the bladder or urethra has been removed or is not functioning properly.

Ostomy surgery is a major surgery, but it can be life-saving for people with certain medical conditions. Ostomies can help to improve the patient's quality of life by reducing pain and discomfort, and allowing them to eat, drink, and exercise normally.

People with ostomies need to wear special ostomy bags to collect the waste that comes out of the stoma. These bags are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can be changed as often as needed. Ostomy nurses can teach patients how to care for their stomas and how to use ostomy bags.