How to avoid getting a colostomy bag

An ostomy is a new opening created surgically in the abdominal wall to reroute the path for waste to exit the body. This can be either permanent, if an organ needs to be removed, or temporary, if an organ needs time to heal.

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By combining part of the name of the organ that is relocated to the outside of the body – colon (large intestine), ileum (final section of small intestine) or the urinary system – with the word “ostomy,” we get the three main types of ostomies: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.

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Any of the three main types of ostomies may be necessary due to cancer, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), birth defects and many other medical conditions.

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In addition, a tracheostomy, which is a new opening to allow air to pass through the trachea, is also a type of ostomy.

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The reason for an ostomy varies and each surgery is specific to the individual.

The location of the stoma, the level of invasiveness, whether disease, cancer or other damaged internal organs and/or systems are removed, as well a

when is an ostomy bag needed

who needs a stoma