An ostomy is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body when its natural pathway is compromised. This opening, called a stoma, serves as a new route for either stool or urine to leave the body. An ostomy becomes necessary when a portion of the digestive or urinary system is not functioning properly, is diseased, or has been removed. The procedure reroutes bodily waste, which then collects in an external pouch worn over the stoma. This medical intervention can be temporary, allowing a diseased or injured part of the body to heal, or permanent, providing a long-term solution for waste elimination.
Colostomy
A colostomy involves the surgical creation of a stoma from a section of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This ostomy is located on the left side of the abdomen. The consistency of the stool from a colostomy can vary, ranging from semi-formed to solid, depending on which part of the colon is used to create the stoma. For instance, a colostomy in the sigmoid colon (the last section) produces firmer stool because more water has been absorbed, while one in the transverse colon (upper abdomen) may result in softer, less formed stool.
Reasons for needing a colostomy include conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or trauma to the colon or rectum. It may also be performed to treat birth defects or complications from inflammatory bowel disease.
A colostomy may be temporary, allowing the bowel to heal, or permanent, if a significant portion of the colon or rectum is removed. Temporary colostomies are often reversed after a few weeks to several months.
Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening that uses a section of the ileum, which is the final part of the small intestine. This stoma is situated on the right side of the abdomen. The output from an ileostomy is liquid to pasty in consistency and flows continuously. This is because the large intestine, which is responsible for absorbing most of the water from digested food, is bypassed.
Common medical conditions that might necessitate an ileostomy include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or familial adenomatous polyposis. It can also be created to protect a surgical connection further down the digestive tract or to relieve a bowel obstruction.
An ileostomy may be temporary to allow the intestines to heal. A permanent ileostomy may be necessary if the entire colon has been removed.
Urostomy
A urostomy is a surgical procedure designed to divert urine from the body when the bladder is diseased, damaged, or has been removed. The most common type is an ileal conduit, which involves taking a small segment of the small intestine (ileum) to create a passageway for urine. The ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys, are connected to one end of this intestinal segment, and the other end is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma.
This stoma is located on the right side of the abdomen. Urine flows continuously from the kidneys, through the ileal conduit, and out of the stoma, collecting in an external pouch.
Reasons for a urostomy can include bladder cancer, severe bladder damage from trauma or radiation, birth defects, or spinal cord injuries that affect bladder function. A urostomy is often a permanent procedure.