Ostomy is a medical term that describes the creation of an opening from the inside of the body to the outside of the body. The stoma (opening to the ostomy) is on the outside of the body and usually covered by a pouch (bag). Ostomies may be permanent, usually when an organ no longer works correctly, or temporary, such as when an organ needs time to rest while it heals. When a person gets an ostomy, they must learn how to clean around it to keep the skin from breaking down, apply the bag (also called an appliance), empty and change it, and what to do if there are problems with it. Click on “Learn More” to discover how to care for someone with an ostomy.
Changing an Ostomy Appliance Steps To Follow to Change an Appliance Wash hands, put on gloves, gather equipment and supplies, wash clothes, barrier supplies, etc. Empty, remove, and discard the old appliance. Clean around the stoma and inspect for skin breakdown. Get clean gloves to measure stoma. You want the barrier you cut to […]
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Types of Ostomies When many people hear “ostomy,” they immediately think of colostomy. However, there are many types of ostomies, besides a colostomy, that a caregiver might encounter. An ostomy is any surgical opening created to connect an internal organ to the outside of the body. Most function to eliminate bodily waste, but
Helpful Ostomy Training Videos from YouTube Blockages and Obstructions If you have an ileostomy or colostomy, you’ll likely be told to avoid blockages and bowel obstructions. This video explains a few of the things that writer, Vegan Ostomy, does to prevent blockages and some tips she has found helpful if she does end up with
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