What is an Ostomy
An ostomy is a surgically created opening connecting an internal organ to the surface of the body. This type of surgery is required when a person loses the normal function of their bladder or bowel and there are number of reasons why. Some of these reasons include cancer of the colon and rectum, trauma, malformations present from birth, obstruction of the bowel, Crohn's disease and other conditions. In each of these, an ostomy may be the best and safest form of treatment.
There are many different types of ostomy. Some examples are:
- Ileostomy: The surgeon removes the colon and rectum and attaches the bottom of the small intestine (ileum) to the created stoma (opening).
- Colostomy: The surgeon removes the rectum and attaches the colon to the stoma.
- Urostomy: The surgeon attaches the ureters - the tubes that carry urine to the bladder - to either the small intestine or to the abdominal wall.
All of the surgeries allow for normal bodily wastes to be expelled through a new surgical opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall. Most persons with an Ostomy must wear an appliance to cover the stoma. To support these individuals within our community, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is the only provider for a wide variety of skin and ostomy products.