What Is Ostomy?

Ostomy is an opening in the abdominal wall through which waste products like feces or urine are diverted from their normal pathway to the exterior of the body. Depending on the origin of the opening, an ostomy may refer to a colostomy, which is a diversion of body waste from the colon, an ileostomy, the origin of the opening being the small intestine, or to an urostomy, when diversion of urine from the urinary system occurs. It is thus clear that an ostomy is a broad term that refers to several precise medical procedures that involve diversion of body wastes from their normal route to the exterior of the abdominal wall. An ostomy pouch system is a device that is tightly and safely attached to the abdomen that contains a specialized bag for waste collection. The device is designed to be firmly attached and airtight sealed so the patient does not have to worry about contamination or smell. It can be worn under clothing, and the patient can lead a normal life that includes work, sports activities and sexual intercourse [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ostomy/SA00072].

Pouch Systems

There are two types of pouches that can be used.  Each of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.  One-Piece Systems require the entire unit to be replaced when it is changed.  The Two-Piece Systems allow a “flange” to be left on the body while the pouch is replaced when it is changed.   Both of these systems can be of drain-able or closed types.  Drain-able allows the pouch to remain attached to the body during draining and requires a clamp or clip to keep the pouch closed.  Closed pouches are normally discarded after one use.  They do not require any type of clip or clamp, it is simply closed at the bottom.  Both types of pouches require a barrier/wafer to be attached to the skin.  This is where a flange unit is connected that will secure the pouch in place. There are also a wide variety of pouch styles, from rigid to flexible or flat to convex.  One style is not particularly better then the next and it is just simply preference of the user as to which will work best personally for him or herself.  

What is the Purpose of an Ostomy?

Depending on its type, an ostomy serves a precise medical purpose. When there is a disease that affects a part of the digestive or urinary system that creates the need for body wastes diversion due to possible complications, an ostomy is performed. For example, if a patient suffers from colon or rectal cancer, body waste movement through the affected portion may cause bleeding, pain and spreading of cancer to other areas. An ostomy creates the possibility to divert the feces, permanently or temporarily, until a surgical solution is found. If the patient suffers from urinary bladder cancer, then the necessity of an urostomy arises, to avoid further cancer extension, bleeding and pain. Other indications for a ostomy include any disorder that involves obstruction, like diverticulosis and Crohn's disease.