Ostomy Trivia, Facts, and Tidbits..
The information below is just for fun. If you have an interesting fact or trivia, or tidbit you think would be interesting share on this page, let us know!
Q. Ostomy Awareness Month
A. October
Wear green and blue to show your support for ostomy awareness.
Q. How many people in USA have an Ostomy?
A. Likely more than 1 million
Q. What are the main types of Ostomies?
A. Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urostomy
Here's a brief overview of each:
1. Colostomy:
- A colostomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the colon (large intestine) is brought to the abdominal surface to create a stoma. The stoma is an opening through which stool passes out of the body into a pouch or bag attached to the abdomen.
- Colostomies are typically performed when a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed due to conditions such as colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or traumatic injury.
- The stool from a colostomy is usually more formed and has a similar consistency to regular bowel movements.
2. Ileostomy:
- An ileostomy is a surgical procedure where the small intestine (ileum) is brought to the abdominal surface to create a stoma. Like with a colostomy, waste passes out of the body through the stoma into a pouch or bag attached to the abdomen.
- Ileostomies are often performed when the colon and rectum are either removed or bypassed due to conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or trauma.
- Stool from an ileostomy tends to be more liquid in consistency compared to stool from a colostomy, as it hasn't passed through the colon to be formed.
3. Urostomy:
- A urostomy is a surgical procedure that involves diverting the urinary tract to create a stoma for urine to exit the body. The most common type of urostomy is an ileal conduit, where a section of the small intestine (ileum) is used to redirect urine flow to the stoma.
- Urostomies are typically performed when the bladder is removed (cystectomy) due to conditions such as bladder cancer, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or birth defects.
- Unlike colostomies and ileostomies, which deal with fecal matter, a urostomy deals with urine. The urine is collected in a pouch or bag attached to the abdomen.
Each type of ostomy has its unique considerations in terms of care, management, and lifestyle adjustments, but they all serve the same purpose of diverting bodily waste when normal elimination is not possible. People living with ostomies can lead fulfilling lives with proper support, education, and resources.
Q. What Is a Stoma?
A.
A stoma is an opening in the body created surgically to allow the passage of bodily fluids or waste. It's most commonly associated with procedures like a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, where a section of the bowel or urinary tract is diverted to the surface of the abdomen through a surgically created opening. The stoma allows waste or urine to exit the body and be collected in a pouch or bag worn on the outside of the body. Stomas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical condition necessitating the procedure. They serve to restore normal bodily functions in cases where the natural route is compromised due to disease, injury, or surgery.
Q. What Can't Ostomates Do?
A.
