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An ostomy is a life-saving surgical procedure that creates an opening, known as a stoma, from an inside organ to the outside of the abdomen. This allows bodily waste (stool or urine) to be redirected into an external pouching system.
Why is an Ostomy Necessary?
Ostomies are used to treat various diseases of the digestive or urinary systems, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or severe trauma.
- Permanent Ostomy: Required when an organ, such as the rectum or bladder, is diseased and must be surgically removed.
- Temporary Ostomy: Performed to allow a portion of the intestine to “rest” and heal after surgery or illness. Once healed, the ostomy can often be reversed.
Common Types of Ostomy
Depending on which organ is involved, there are three primary types of ostomy procedures:
1. Ileostomy
In this procedure, the end of the small intestine (the ileum) is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma. Because this bypasses the entire large intestine, the waste is usually liquid or paste-like.
2. Colostomy
A colostomy involves bringing a portion of the colon (large intestine) to the surface. This bypasses the rectum and anus. Depending on which part of the colon is used, the output may be liquid, semi-formed, or firm.
3. Urostomy
This surgery redirects urine away from a diseased or malfunctioning bladder. The ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys) are detached from the bladder and joined to a short section of the small intestine, which then forms the stoma.
Living with a Stoma
A stoma is pink or red, moist, and relatively painless because it lacks nerve endings. While it requires a period of adjustment for skin care and bag management, most people with an ostomy return to their normal activities, including work, sports, and travel.
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