Introduction

Diseases that require surgical procedures resulting in the creation of an ostomy include carcinomas of the bowel, bladder, and female reproductive organs. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Chron’s Disease also are frequent reasons for a stoma. Sometimes ostomy surgery is performed on an emergency basis due to diverticulitis, or bowel perforation (hole in intestine). These are the most common circumstances requiring a stoma, yet there are many other conditions that warrant an ostomy in adults and children.

Ileostomy:

This is when a piece of the small intestine- the ileum, is brought through the layers of the abdomen and sutured to the skin as a stoma. The large intestine may or may not be present depending on the type of surgery performed.

Colostomy:

This is when a piece of the large intestine- the colon, is brought through the layers of the abdomen and sutured to the skin as a stoma. Portions of the large or small intestine may be removed depending on the type of surgery performed.

Transverse Loop Colostomy with Mucous Fistula

Double BarrelColostomy

End Sigmoid Colostomy

End Sigmoid Colostomy with Mucous Fistula

Hartman's Pouch End Colostomy

Ilealconduit/Urostomy:

This is when a piece of intestine, usually the ileum is used to make a pathway (conduit) for the urine to exit the body. The ureters are sewn to the piece of ileum and a piece of the ileum is brought through the layers of the abdomen and sutured to the skin as a stoma.