Types of ostomies...

For several years now, I have wanted to write about the various types of ostomies. There seems to be a lot of confusion and misconceptions out there regarding ostomies. Generally speaking, there are three types of ostomies.

Colostomy: A colostomy is where the colon is surgically diverted through the wall of the abdomen to create a stoma.

Ileostomy: An ileostomy is where the ileum, which is the lowest part of the small intestines, is surgically diverted through the wall of the abdomen to create a stoma.

Urostomy: A urostomy is where a stoma is created to help divert the drainage of the bladder and urethra.

There are different "subcategories" within the realm of ostomies such as J-pouches but today we are just talking about generalized ostomies. The reasons as to why a patient may need an ostomy vary. A patient may have a blockage or obstruction, cancer, GI conditions such as Crohn's, Diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), infection, an injury that resulted in the need for an ostomy or motility issues. The reasons are vast. Some ostomies are temporary while others are permanent. It just depends on the patient and the medical situation.