Ostomy Education

Caring for your Stoma
A stoma (the Greek word for mouth) is shiny, wet and red in color, similar to the inside lining of your mouth. It will usually have a round or oval shape, varying in size. After surgery, the stoma will appear swollen. The swelling will go down and gradually shrink in size after a few months. During this time, it is necessary to continue to measure your stoma, making sure the pouching system fits correctly.

A stoma does not have nerve endings; therefore it doesn't transmit pain or other sensations. It is, however, rich in blood vessels and may bleed slightly if irritated or rubbed. This is normal, but if bleeding is prolonged or if discharge from the stoma is bloody, be sure to contact your doctor.

The skin surrounding the stoma, called the peristomal skin, must be protected from direct contact with discharge, which may irritate the skin. The peristomal skin should be gently cleansed with plain soap that leaves no residue and then rinsed with water during each change of the ostomy pouching system. Water will not enter a stoma because of its gentle outward contractions, so it is not necessary to cover the stoma while bathing or showering.

Ostomy Pouching Systems
Today's pouches, made from odor-barrier material, are lightweight and have a low profile under clothing. They come in one-piece and many two-piece systems, designed to give you the fit you need, as well as the comfort, flexibility and security you deserve. An ostomy pouching system consists of a special adhesive skin barrier and a drainable or closed-end pouch.

Guard Against Skin Irritations
To make sure you have the proper pouch fit you will need to measure your stoma frequently, especially during recovery when the stoma is in the process of shrinking to its permanent size. To be on the safe side, measure your stoma every time you purchase supplies.

The Human Urinary System
The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the urinary tract. The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located just below your ribs toward the back, produce urine by filtering water and harmful waste from the blood. Urine drains from the kidneys through two small tubes called ureters into the bladder. When you are ready to urinate, the urethra relaxes and urine passes out of the body.

Ureterostomy
A ureterostomy is created when the bladder has been removed. One or both of the ureters are redirected from the kidney through the abdominal wall. An opening is placed on the patient's side.

Ileal Conduit
The most common type of urinary diversion, the ileal conduit, is created after the bladder has been removed. A small piece of the small intestine (ileum) is surgically removed and used as a conduit. The two ureters that carry urine from the kidneys are attached so they will empty through this new conduit. Then, the other end of the ileal conduit is brought out through the abdominal wall and a stoma is created.

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