A stoma is an opening on the surface of the abdomen which has been surgically created to divert the flow of faeces or urine.

There are many reasons for surgery, including, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s (often referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease), Cancer, diverticular disease or trauma (inflammation pouches within the large bowel wall). Children as young as just one day old can sometimes have stoma surgery as a result of being born with a birth defect.

Individuals of all ages can have a stoma. The stoma may be temporary (to allow the bowel time to heal) or permanent. Sometimes, during surgery, it may be necessary for the surgeon to form a ‘stoma’ on the wall of your abdomen.

Type of Stoma

Generally, a stoma like the inside of our mouths will be pink and moist. There are no nerves in a stoma so there are no sensations when touching it. A stoma will initially be swollen after the operation but this will reduce after 6-8 weeks.

There are three main types of stoma – colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy – all are diversions from the bowel or bladder and there are some differences between them.

Colostomy

A Colostomy is the term used to describe an opening from the colon (large intestine).

The surgeon will bring a part of the colon from inside the patient’s body, through their abdomen to the outside and stitch it down to secure it. Normally, this will be on the left side of the abdomen.

The output from a colostomy differs from person to person but the stoma commonly functions between 1 to 3 times a day. The output tends to be more solid. Once the stoma has functioned the stoma bag is usually changed for a clean one.

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is the term used to describe an opening from the small intestine, specifically the ileum.

The surgeon will bring a part of the small intestine from inside the patients’ body, through their abdomen to the outside and stich it down to secure it. Typically, this will be on the right of the abdomen.

An ileostomy is more active, with the output being looser than that of a colostomy. An ileostomy bag will be worn that enables drainage into the toilet between 3-6 times a day.

Urostomy

A urostomy (also called an ileal conduit) is the term used to describe an opening for a person’s urine. A urostomy is formed by taking a piece of a person’s small intestine and attaching the ureters to it forming a passageway for urine to pass through. One end of the tube is brought out through the abdomen to create a urostomy. Usually the bladder is removed but this depends on the operation.

A Urostomy is normally on the right-hand side of a person’s abdomen and will have a small spout to allow the urine to exit the body. The urostomy bag will have a bung or tap on the bottom to allow urine to be drained at regular intervals into the toilet.

References

http://www.colostomyassociation.org.uk/index.php?p=239&pp=3&page=What%20is%20a%20stoma