Ostomy Care

A stoma is the result of an operation to remove disease such as cancer, Crohn's disease or diverticulitis - or from a bowel obstruction or injury to the digestive or urinary system. It is an artificial opening that allows faeces or urine either from the intestine or from the urinary tract to pass. There are three main types of stoma related to the digestive and urinary system - these are: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.

The period after surgery can be filled with a lot of emotion, adjusting to your new routines and getting back to normal. You may also feel anxious about whether your stoma is functioning properly, how to get back to work and your social life, and how to adapt your diet. That's completely okay and most people will feel this way after a life-altering procedure. Most people need extra emotional support during this time, and joining a support group can be a good idea.

If you experience skin problems or complications, you should always consult your stoma care nurse straight away. However, spotting evidence of leakage early can help you catch a potential skin problem even before it develops.

Start by looking for any stoma output, either on your skin or on the back of the adhesive plate. Even if there is no direct visual sign of leakage, be aware of anything unusual, such as if the adhesive plate looks 'melted' (because the adhesive has reacted with the output).

In general, your ostomy shouldn't keep you from working, socializing, playing sports, traveling or other hobbies. People with ostomies are completely capable of living fulfilling lives and return to normal activities after surgery. 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.

The frequency of pouching system changes depends on many things, however, you would want to change your pouching system if you feel itching or burning of the skin around your stoma.

Output from a colostomy is not too different from a normal bowel movement. The output is generally solid, and the pouching system needs changing typically one to three times a day.