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Before your stoma surgery
Discover what to expect and how to prepare for your stoma operation with helpful insights and guidance.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Preparing for stoma surgery can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect is the first step.
What is a Stoma?
A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body when part of the digestive or urinary system isn’t functioning properly. Waste is collected in an external pouch attached to the skin. Stomas are typically red, moist, and round or oval in shape. They do not have nerve endings, so they are not painful. The size and appearance of a stoma may vary based on individual needs. Depending on your condition and treatment plan, a stoma can be temporary or permanent.
What is a Colostomy?
A colostomy involves creating an opening (stoma) in your abdomen to reroute waste from the large intestine. Here’s what to expect before the procedure:
Why is it Needed?
Colostomies are often performed to treat conditions like bowel cancer, diverticulitis, or injury to the colon. Your surgeon will explain the reasons specific to your case.What Happens During Surgery?
The surgeon brings a section of your large intestine to the surface of your abdomen and secures it to create a stoma. This provides a new way for waste to leave your body.How Will My Life Change?
You’ll wear a colostomy bag to collect waste. While this may seem overwhelming at first, most people adapt well and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.Preparing for Surgery:
Your healthcare team will guide you through pre-surgery preparations, including dietary changes and mental readiness. Consider meeting with a stoma care nurse to address any concerns. What is an Ileostomy?
An Ileostomy is a surgically created opening from your small bowel to the surface of your abdomen. This provides a new path for waste material to leave your body after part of the bowel has been removed.
It can produce output varying from liquid stool to a thick, porridge-like consistency.
Info: An Ileostomy is usually on the right-hand side of your body, but in some circumstances may be formed on the lefthand side.
What is a Urostomy?
A Urostomy is a type of urinary diversion which involves disconnecting the ureters from the bladder and attaching them into a short length (15-25cms) of small bowel, which has been removed and re-formed, creating a reservoir through which the urine will flow.
One end of the removed piece of bowel will be closed off, while the other will be brought to the surface of your abdomen, as a urinary stoma.
You may or may not have your bladder removed, depending on the reasons for your surgery. Your Stoma Care Nurse will be able to explain this in further detail.
Info: A Urostomy is usually on the right-hand side of your abdomen, but in some circumstances it may be made on the left-hand side.
designed to guide you before your operation
Helpful videos to prepare you for your operation
What is a colostomy?
What is an ileostomy?
What is a urostomy?
Your Stoma Care Essentials
Explore Essential Products
Closed Bags
Designed for single use, these stoma bags are ideal for those with a more predictable output and are simply removed and replaced when full.
Drainable Bags
Featuring an easy-to-use outlet, these bags allow for convenient emptying throughout the day, making them ideal for users with more frequent or liquid output.
Urostomy Bags
Specially designed for those with a urostomy, these bags feature a drainage tap to efficiently manage continuous liquid output.
Closed Bags
Designed for single use, these stoma bags are ideal for those with a more predictable output and are simply removed and replaced when full.
Drainable Bags
Featuring an easy-to-use outlet, these bags allow for convenient emptying throughout the day, making them ideal for users with more frequent or liquid output.
Urostomy Bags
Specially designed for those with a urostomy, these bags feature a drainage tap to efficiently manage continuous liquid output.
Looking for local support?
There are lots of local clubs and associations set up to offer help and advice when you need it most.