OSTOMY
Ostomy Types
Ostomy surgery is a life-saving procedure for those who suffer from various digestive or urinay system diseases, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bladder cancer or colon cancer. It involves creating an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to be eliminated from the body. Depending on the type of procedure performed, there are different types of ostomies with varying degrees of complexity. There are a variety of companies that manufacture ostomy supplies. Our ostomy specialist work with these companies to provide the best pouching system and supplies unique to your particular ostomy.
What is an Ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes. The word “ostomy” comes from the Latin word “ostium,” meaning mouth, and “tomy,” meaning to cut. There are several types of ostomies, including colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy.
A colostomy is an opening in the large intestine (colon) and is used when part of the colon needs to be removed or when the colon needs to rest because of inflammation. Colostomies are temporary or permanent.
An ileostomy is an opening in the small intestine (ileum) and is used when part of the intestine needs to be removed or when there is blockage in the intestine that cannot be corrected surgically. Ileostomies are also temporary or permanent.
A urostomy is an opening in the urinary tract and is used when the bladder needs to be removed or when there is blockage in the urinary tract that cannot be corrected surgically. Urostomies are usually permanent and can not be reversed.
COWOS Ostomy Services
​The goal of pre-operative ostomy preparation is to provide the information and support for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.
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Education and training: Detailed information about the ostomy procedure, and what to expect while in the hospital.
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Stoma marking: Prior to the surgery, the location of the stoma will be marked to ensure it is placed in the best possible position.​
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Ostomy supplies: Detailed information and training will be provided about the different type of ostomy pouches and any other supplies that may needed to care for the new ostomy.
​Post-operative ostomy care is an important part of the recovery process and involves several steps to ensure proper healing and management of the ostomy. Here are some of the key steps involved in post-operative ostomy care:​
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Monitoring the stoma: After going home patients are encouraged to follow up for monitoring of the stoma to ensure proper healing and to check for any signs of infection or complications.​
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Ostomy and skin care: Instructions on how to care for the ostomy, the parastomal skin and surgical wound, including how to change the ostomy pouch, clean the skin and use accessory products.​
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Diet and nutrition: After surgery the patient will be advised of any dietary changes that may be needed to accommodate their ostomy while it is healing and will be provided with guidance on what to eat and what to avoid.​
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Ostomy pouch maintenance: Patients will need to change the pouch and clean the ostomy site regularly. Instructions on how to do this properly are provided..
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Ostomy Supplies: Patients will be assisted with ordering their ostomy supplies.
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Adjusting to the ostomy: It can take time to adjust to having an ostomy, patients will be provided with the support and resources they need to help them through this transition.
Post-operative ostomy care is an ongoing process, and patients should be encouraged to follow up for guidance and support of their ostomy at regular intervals for the 1st year, annually and as needed. With proper care and management, patients can successfully adjust to life with an ostomy and achieve a good quality of life.