What's a Stoma?
A stoma is an opening on the surface of the abdomen which has been created through either planned or emergency surgery to evacuate the flow of faeces or urine.
Over 120,000 people in the UK have a stoma (1 in 500) so don't ever feel that you are on your own.
There are many reasons for surgery including Cancer, Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, and surgical trauma to name just a few.
Colostomy
A surgical procedure where the large intestine (colon) is cut and brought to the surface.
A stoma will usually, but not always, be formed on the left hand side.
Often the stool will be semi-formed and will generally be collected in a closed pouch.
Ileostomy
A surgical procedure where the large intestine is removed or bypassed and the small intestine (ileum) is cut and brought to the surface.
A stoma will usually, but not always, be formed on the right hand side.
The stool will be looser and will be collected in a drainable pouch.
Urostomy
A surgical procedure which diverts the normal flow of urine from the kidneys and ureters into a stoma.
The flow of urine is continuous and will be collected in a pouch with a tap for easy drainage several times per day.