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Ostomy: An ostomy refers to a surgical opening in the abdomen, known as a stoma. The purpose of the ostomy is to divert waste out of the body through the stoma. The four most commonly encountered ostomies are as follows:
1. Colostomy – stoma is created when a section of the large intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Output can vary from liquid or past-like stool to formed stool, with or without the presence of gas, depending on the type of colostomy.
2. Ileostomy – stoma is created when a section of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen. Output is dark green and will range in consistency from liquid to mushy, with gas.
3. Urostomy or ileal conduit – urine is diverted away from the bladder and expelled from the body through the stoma. Output is urine for a urostomy, and urine with mucous for an ileal conduit.
4. Mucous Fistula – stoma is created when two ends of the bowel are brought to the surface of the abdomen. Mucous created by the disconnected end of the bowel is released through one stoma, the mucous fistula.