Ostomy Summary An ostomy is surgery to create an opening (stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside. It treats certain diseases of the digestive or urinary systems. It can be permanent, when an organ must be removed. It can be temporary, when the organ needs time to heal. The organ could be the small intestine, colon, rectum, or bladder. With an ostomy, there must be a new way for wastes to leave the body. There are many different types of ostomy. Some examples are Ileostomy – the bottom of the small intestine (ileum) is attached to the stoma. This bypasses the colon, rectum and anus. Colostomy – the colon is attached to the stoma. This bypasses the rectum and the anus. Urostomy – the tubes that carry urine to the bladder are attached to the stoma. This bypasses the bladder. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Find an Expert American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Find a Nurse in Your Area Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Specifics Caring for Your Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tube National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center Colostomy Guide American Cancer Society Ileostomy Guide American Cancer Society Urinary Diversion National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Urostomy American Cancer Society Array Changing your ostomy pouch Colostomy Colostomy – slideshow Ileostomy Ileostomy – caring for your stoma Ileostomy – changing your pouch Ileostomy – discharge Ileostomy and your diet Urostomy – stoma and skin care Children Children with Ileostomies (for Parents) American Cancer Society Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Colostomy National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Urinary Diversion National Institutes of Health Encyclopedia Ileostomy – what to ask your doctor Ileostomy and your child Living with your ileostomy Low-fiber diet Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy Types of ileostomy Start Here Ostomy American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Ostomy Surgery of the Bowel National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Living With Ostomy Home Skills Program American College of Surgeons Ostomy: Adapting to Life After Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Ostomy: Home Management and Other Resources American College of Surgeons Stomas (or Ostomies) American Cancer Society Journal Articles Ostomy
