A stoma is the result of an operation that is meant to remove disease and relieve symptoms. It is an artificial opening that allows faeces or urine either from the intestine or from the urinary tract to pass.

The stoma is created of an end of the intestine, which is brought to the surface of your abdomen to form the stoma (opening). 

There are three types of stomas related to the digestive and urinary system - these are: Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy.

Three different types of stomas:

Colostomy

When a colostomy is performed, part of your large intestine (called colon) is brought to the surface of your abdomen forming the stoma. The stoma allows the stool to pass through. A colostomy is usually created on the left-hand side of your abdomen. Stools in this part of the intestines are typically firm. Having a stoma means that control of defecation is lost and you will therefore need a stoma bag to collect the stool 

There are two different types of colostomy surgery: End colostomy and loop colostomy. 

Ileostomy

When an ileostomy is performed, part of your small intestine (called ileum) is brought to the surface of your abdomen forming the stoma. The stoma allows the stool to pass through. An ileostomy is usually created on the right-hand side of your abdomen. Stools in this part of the intestine are typically loose to watery. Having a stoma means that control of defecation is lost and you will therefore need a stoma bag to collect the stool 

There are two different types of ileostomy surgery: End ileostomy and loop ileostomy. 

Urostomy

If your bladder or urinary system is damaged or diseased and you are unable to pass urine normally, you will need a urinary diversion to replace the function of the bladder. This is called a urostomy, an ileal conduit or a Bricker bladder.

When a urostomy is performed an isolated part of the intestine is brought onto the surface of the right-hand side of your abdomen to act as an outlet for urine. The ureters are detached from the bladder and reattached to the isolated section of the intestine. Because this section of the intestine is too small to function as a reservoir, and there is no muscle or valve to control urination, you will need a urostomy pouch to collect the urine.

No matter what type of ostomy you have, all the output from the stoma must be collected in a secure and convenient way. That’s where your ostomy bag comes in. These are designed to adhere to the skin on your abdomen around your stoma and collect the output.

Secure and discreet

The design of your ostomy bag will depend on whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Your stoma care nurse will show you which one is right for you, but the overwhelming majority of bags are secure and discreet. Nobody will know you’re wearing one unless you decide to tell them.

Although it can be difficult at first to accept the fact that you will have to wear an ostomy bag on your stomach, you should soon start to realise that it’s possible to live much as you did before.

After your stoma operation you will need some time to recover. This is perfectly normal, and the time needed will vary from person to person. Your stoma will change in the first weeks following surgery, in terms of both size and output. Also, you might lose or gain weight in these weeks.

Getting started with a pouch

Having a stoma means you have no control over when you defecate or, in the case of a urostomy, when you urinate. This means that you always need to wear a bag to collect your output.

Healthy skin

In order for your bag to adhere properly, it is very important to keep the skin around your stoma healthy. When the bag is attached correctly, there is no risk of smell from your stoma and less risk of skin irritation. Before you leave hospital, you will be trained in how to choose and manage your stoma bag and how to take care of your skin.

What about food and drink?

In general you can eat and drink as normal. Try to see how your stoma reacts to different foods. Your stoma care nurse or surgeon will advise if you need to take special precautions.
In general, your stoma is no hindrance to working, socialising, playing sports, travelling or other hobbies. Your general state of health – physically as well as mentally – will play a big role in determining your quality of life as you move forward.

Talk about it

Nothing is more helpful than someone who really understands what you are going through. You are certainly not alone – the number of people with a stoma worldwide is 1.9 million. Local patient organisations and online support groups offer support through meetings and online chats, to get handy tips, inspiration and personal support.