How is a stoma surgically created?
A stoma is a portion of your large or small intestine that has been brought through the surface of your abdomen (belly) and then folded back.
The location depends on the disease or wound. A stoma provides an alternative path for urine (in the case of a urostomy) or fecal waste (in the case of a colostomy or ileostomy) to leave your body.1
All stomas are not created equal. They vary in size, shape, location and construction2.
- End stoma—the bowel is cut, and the working end is brought through the abdomen to the skin surface
- Loop stoma—a loop of the bowel is brought through the abdomen to the skin surface and temporarily supported by a plastic bridge or rod
- Double-barrel stoma—the ends of the bowel are brought through the abdomen to the skin surface as two separate stomas
Depending on the reason for your ostomy, your surgeon will decide which kind of stoma is best for you. All three types are unique in how they are cared for, and it’s important to take good care of your stoma. The best way to keep your stoma healthy is by ensuring that your pouching system fits properly. ConvaTec’s pouching systems have been designed with comfort and convenience in mind. If taken care of properly, the pouching systems can help you return to a more active life.
An ostomy may be created from the colon (large intestine) or ileum (small intestine)2. The digestive system begins with the mouth. The esophagus transports food to the stomach, where digestive juices help break down the food. The food then travels through the small intestine. The liver and pancreas produce different digestive juices that are deposited in both the small intestine and the large intestine. | |
Once all the nutrients are taken up, waste travels through the large intestine, and then exits the body through the rectum3.
Your urinary system is made up of these parts:4
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Bladder
- Urethra
Your kidneys clean your blood and make urine. The urine then enters the ureters, which move the urine made in the kidneys to the bladder. Your bladder stores the urine until it is time for it to pass through the urethra and out of the body.4
References [+]
- A-Malik R, Clarke N, Pearse I, Carlson GL. Intestinal and urological stomas: surgical aspects. In: Lyon CC, Smith AJ, eds. Abdominal Stomas and Their Skin Disorders: An Atlas of Diagnosis and Management. London, UK: Martin Dunitz; 2001:1-20.
- McGarity WC. Gastrointestinal surgical procedures. In: Hampton BG, Bryant RA, eds. Ostomies and Continent Diversions: Nursing Management. St Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1992:349-371.
- Your digestive system and how it works page. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Web site. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov. Accessed November 16, 2007.
- Irrgang SJ. Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary tract. In: Hampton BG, Bryant RA, eds. Ostomies and Continent Diversions: Nursing Management. St Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1992:195-211.