An ostomy is a surgically created opening, called a stoma, that connects an internal organ to the surface of the abdomen, diverting the flow of waste. This procedure is performed when natural bodily functions are compromised due to disease, injury, or birth defect. Since the body’s usual exit point for waste is bypassed, an external collection device is required to manage the output. This need for a pouch often causes confusion regarding the terminology used for the surgery and the equipment.
Clarifying the Terms: Ostomy and Colostomy
The term “ostomy” serves as the umbrella designation for any surgical procedure that creates a stoma for waste diversion. This general category includes several different procedures, each named after the specific organ involved. A colostomy is one specific type of ostomy, named for the large intestine, or colon, from which the stoma is fashioned. The procedure involves bringing a section of the colon through the abdominal wall to create a new exit site for stool.
The primary difference is one of classification: every colostomy is an ostomy, but not every ostomy is a colostomy. Colostomies are performed to divert waste material from the lower parts of the digestive tract, often when they are diseased or need time to heal. The location of the stoma along the large intestine determines the specific type of colostomy, such as ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid.
The Ostomy Appliance Explained
The “bag” refers to the ostomy appliance, which is the generic term for the device worn externally to collect output from the stoma. This collection pouch is broadly referred to as an ostomy bag, regardless of whether it is used for a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. The appliance is a two-part system designed for secure and hygienic management of body waste. The first component is the skin barrier, often called a wafer, which adheres directly to the skin surrounding the stoma.
The skin barrier protects the peristomal skin from the digestive or urinary output, which can be irritating. The second component is the pouch itself, which attaches to the wafer and collects the waste material. Many modern appliances are standardized, meaning the same pouch model can often be used for different types of ostomies. The function of the appliance is to provide a secure and discreet reservoir for the diverted output.
Understanding Different Types of Ostomy Procedures
While a colostomy utilizes the large intestine, other ostomy procedures involve different organs, which impacts the output consistency. An ileostomy involves creating a stoma from the ileum, the final section of the small intestine. Because the contents have not passed through the colon where water is absorbed, the output is typically liquid or semi-liquid and continuous. This consistency requires the person to wear a drainable pouch that can be emptied multiple times daily.
Another major type of ostomy is a urostomy, performed to divert urine away from a diseased or damaged bladder. In this procedure, a small segment of the small intestine is often used as a conduit to bring the ureters to the surface of the abdomen. The output is urine, and the specialized pouch features an anti-reflux valve and a drainage tap at the bottom. The specific type of ostomy procedure is defined by the location of the stoma, whether from the colon, ileum, or urinary tract.