Quick Guide to Ostomy

What's an ostomy, anyway?

An ostomy is a general term that describes the surgical process of creating a stoma.  “Stoma” interprets from the Greek word for opening and is literally an opening that connects an internal part of the body through an opening in the skin surface.

There are many types of ostomies, and many health issues why someone would get ostomy surgery.  Some of the most typical sorts of ostomies are :

• Colostomy - An ostomy that connects a little of the large intestine through the stomach.  The patient wears and ostomy pouch to collect waste.
• Illeostomy - An ostomy connecting a part of the small intestine thru the skin.  Waste will circumvents the gut, rectum, and the anal sphincter.  The patient wears ostomy pouches for waste collection.
• Tracheostomy - An opening in the neck for the trachea.
• Urostomy - An opening thru the skin for the urinary system.

While ostomies are generally unpleasant, there are a number of ostomy-specific devices and supplies which make having an ostomy as simple as possible for the individual to self-manage the care of the stoma and waste.  There are also supplies to improve the mobility and privacy of those who need to wear ostomy appliances.

Ostomy Supplies

For those with an ostomy, especially those who are mobile, it's best to have more than one supply kits available in the event of emergencies.  An good ostomy kit would contain most or all of the items below:

• Skin Wafers - A wafer or “flange” is a little piece that fits round the stoma.  Every stoma is a different size and form, so that the wafer needs cutting to fit an individual's particular stoma.  Some manufacturers will pre-cut the skin wafer for you.
• Ostomy Pouches - Ostomy pouches, like wafers, come in a number of sizes and options.  One piece systems mean the pouch is permanently connected to the skin wafer.  A 2 piece pouch means the pouch can come off of the wafer to be replaced, emptied, or cleaned without removing the wafer.  Second, there are closed end and open end pouches.  A closed end pouch isn't reusable but has less issues with accidents during outdoor activities and / or swimming.  An open ended pouch is drainable and reusable.
• Adhesives and Removers - The wafer will fasten to the skin employing a skin adhesive.  The adhesive keeps the wafer in place around the stoma so the pouch will drain correctly .  The adhesive remover will make sure that the skin stays clean and freed from irritation and infections.
• Skin Barrier Wipes, Powder, and Pastes - All these items help keep the stoma free from illnesses, wounds, and dry.  They will also ensure the wafer sticks to the skin well and promotes the healing inflamed skin.
• Barrier Rings - Quite simply they help to keep the wafer in place round the stoma.  
• Ostomy Belt - The belt provides additional protection for those that are mobile, confidently securing the wafer and pouch to the body.
• Other Supplies - Have cleaning supplies ( anti-bacterial soap, washcloths ) available for cleaning any supplies, skin, and hands when handing the stoma and all supplies.  A pen is handy for marking cuts on the wafer, and scissors for cutting the wafer to size.

Learn more about Ostomy:
UOAA
Ostomy Guide Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.