"Ostomy" is a general term that
is commonly used to refer to a colostomy, ileostomy, or a urostomy.
These surgeries are often required when a bowel or bladder does not
function properly because of birth defect, disease, injury, or other
disorder.
In traditional ostomy surgery, an
opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall is created to allow the discharge
of body waste. A pouch (also called an appliance) is then fitted and
attached to the abdomen around the stoma to collect the discharge. Most
ostomy equipment is disposable and is replaced on a regular basis.
In recent years, new procedures have
been developed which result in a surgically-created diversion to an
internal pouch or reservoir that contains the normal bodily wastes.
These procedures are classified as "continent" because within
certain limits, they allow people to control the timing of their waste
discharge. Examples of these procedures are the continent ileostomy,
continent urostomy or urinary diversion, and the ileoanal reservoir or
pouch, also called the "pull-thru". For more information,
check out our section on Continent Diversions.
Last updated March 18, 2003
