Ostomy Clinic

A Life-Saving Surgery

An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows for the discharge of bodily waste. This procedure is necessary when a part of the digestive or urinary system is no longer functioning properly. The opening, called a stoma, provides a new way for waste to leave the body. There are three main types of ostomies: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.

Conditions

Ostomies can effectively manage a variety of medical conditions, including:

Colorectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Diverticulitis
Traumatic injury to the abdomen
Congenital disabilities affecting the digestive or urinary systems
Severe infections or obstructions

What to Expect

At the Centers for Wound Care at Carroll and Northwest hospitals, we are dedicated to helping individuals lead productive and confident lives. Our patients become more comfortable with their ostomies as they develop renewed confidence and regain independence. We offer comprehensive outpatient care for patients with existing ostomies or those scheduled for surgery.

Treatments

Our certified ostomy nurses provide a full range of services to ensure optimal care and management:

Preoperative Education and Stomal Marking: We prepare patients for surgery by providing essential information and marking the optimal site for the stoma.
Postoperative Follow-Up and Education: We offer continuous support and education after surgery to ensure proper healing and care.
Stoma and Peristomal Skin Assessment: Our team evaluates and treats any issues with the stoma or surrounding skin to prevent complications.
Personalized Appliance Selection and Fitting: We help you choose and fit the best appliances for your individual needs.
Support and Guidance: We provide the support and guidance needed for patients to become independent in managing their ostomies.
Intimacy Counseling: We address relationship concerns and provide counseling to help you maintain intimacy.

Recovery

Recovery from ostomy surgery involves adjusting to life with a stoma. Our nurses provide continuous support and education to ensure you feel confident and capable in managing your ostomy. With proper care and guidance, most patients can return to their normal activities and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.

Risks and Complications

While ostomy surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications, including:

Infection at the surgical site
Stomal complications, such as prolapse, hernias, or retraction
Skin irritation around the stoma
Blockages or obstructions

Our nurses are trained to identify and treat these issues promptly, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Success Rates

With proper care and management, many patients with an ostomy experience significant improvements in their quality of life. Ostomy procedures have high success rates, and most patients can return to normal activities. Regular follow-up and personalized care plans contribute to these possible outcomes.

Ostomy Support Group

At LifeBridge Health, we understand the importance of community and support. Our ostomy clinic offers a support group for patients and their families. This group provides a platform to share experiences, seek advice and gain emotional support from others who understand the challenges and triumphs of living with an ostomy.

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