This document provides information about different types of ostomies including colostomies, ileostomies, urostomies, and vesicostomies. It describes what each type is and how waste is managed. It also discusses preparation for surgery, what to expect after surgery, diet considerations, and caring for the stoma. National support organizations are listed that can provide more information and support for people with ostomies.

1. shinecharity.org.uk
info@shinecharity.org.uk
42 Park Road
Peterborough
PE1 2UQ
01733 555988
Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
and Vesicostomy
This information sheet is an introduction to having an ostomy,
and should be used as a brief guide to having a stoma, or
ostomy.
“Stoma” simply means opening. A the usual type of bowel stoma seen
stoma allows access to the bowel in neuropathic conditions such as
or bladder via an opening on to spina bifida. A neuropathic bowel is
the abdomen. The contents of one where the messages sent from
the bladder (wee) or bowel (poo) the brain to the anal sphincter are
then empty into a special bag that not received because the network
sticks on to the abdomen (tummy), of nerves (the spinal cord) is
and fits around the stoma. This is damaged. This can be a very good
emptied or changed regularly as method for people to manage their
necessary. A stoma is one way of bowels independently. Particularly
managing continence, but usually if care issues pose a challenge.
other methods would be tried
first. Stomas may be temporary or Ileostomy
permanent.
An ileostomy is where a small part of
Colostomy the ileum, or small bowel has been
diverted on to the surface of the
A colostomy is where a small part abdomen. An ileostomy will work
of the colon, or large bowel has more regularly and the waste will
been surgically diverted onto the be more fluid. This type of stoma
surface of the abdomen. The waste is less common in neuropathic
passed is usually fairly solid. This is conditions such as spina bifida.

2. Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
and Vesicostomy
and the consultant carrying out the
Urostomy operation.
A urostomy is where the ureters, You should expect to be able to
the two small tubes that drain urine discuss the surgery fully beforehand
from the kidneys to the bladder, and ask any questions you may
are diverted onto the surface of the have. You should be introduced to
abdomen. These tubes are so tiny your specialist stoma nurse who will
that they have to be transplanted be supporting you and will explain
into a small piece of bowel which what will happen during the hospital
forms the stoma. The urine drains stay. This nurse will teach you how
continuously into a special bag to look after your stoma before you
(appliance) which is then emptied go home, and will make sure you
regularly. know who to contact if you need
help or advice after you go home.
Vesicostomy
After surgery
A vesicostomy is where the
bladder is diverted through a small Some food and drinks may cause
opening directly onto the surface excess wind or looser motions. You
of the abdomen. This operation is may need to experiment and find
only carried out in babies where out what affects you. It is best to eat
the kidneys are under pressure a normal diet if possible.
and at risk of damage. A bag is
not necessary because the urine If you have an ileostomy, some foods
drains straight into the nappy. This can cause a blockage if you don’t
is always a temporary stoma. chew them well. You may need
to avoid pulses, dried fruit, nuts,
Preparation for surgery coconut, and popcorn. Some foods
like tomato skins and pips may pass
People undergoing surgery to form into the bag unaltered. You can ask
a stoma will need some preparation your stoma nurse for a diet advice
before the operation. This will sheet.
depend on the type of surgery

3. If you had a urostomy, you must You won’t have to pay prescription
make sure that you drink enough charges for stoma products, but if
liquid. Drinking cranberry juice is you are over 16 years old, or under 60
helpful in preventing infections. years old, you will need to apply for
However, it is not recommended if a Prescription Exemption Certificate.
you take blood thinning medications You can get a form to apply for this
such as warfarin or coumadin. Some from your doctor or chemist.
foods like beetroot may colour your
urine, but won’t cause any harm. If you have a stoma or are considering
surgery, you may find a local group
Looking after the stoma of other patients a useful source of
information, advice, and support.
Whilst you are in hospital, the nurses
will teach you to look after your Details of local groups can
stoma. They will teach you how to be obtained from the national
empty and change the stoma bag organizations who are also able to
and how to care for the skin around give information and support.
the stoma. There are many different
stoma bags, and your stoma nurse The Colostomy Association
will help you to find the one that is 2 London Court
best for you. Your nurse will also East Street
explain how to store your stoma Reading
bags at home, and how to dispose RG1 4QL
of them.
Telephone:
You will be given some bags to take 0800 388 4257 (freephone)
home, and after that, further supplies
are available on prescription. You Email:
can then get the products from cass@colostomyassociation.org.uk
your local chemist; or you can use
a home delivery service if you find it
more convenient. This service won’t
cost you anything.
PTO

4. ia - The Ileostomy and Internal
Pouch Support Group
Peverill House
1-5 Mill Road, Ballyclare
Co. Antrim BT39 9DR
Telephone:
0800 018 4724 (helpline)
Email: info@iasupport.org
Urostomy Association
National Secretary
Central Office
18 Foxglove Avenue, Uttoxeter
Staffs ST14 8UN
Telephone: 0845 241 2159
www.uagbi.org
Help us
Shine relies on people’s generosity and support so we can help our clients
who depend on us for help and advice - people with hydrocephalus, spina
bifida, their families and carers. To donate to Shine please visit
www.shinecharity.org.uk or call 01733 421329.
This information has been produced by Shine’s medical advisers and
approved by Shine’s Medical Advisory Committee of senior medical
professionals.
Shine - Registered charity no.249338
To see our full range of information sheets and to find out how to donate to
Shine please visit www.shinecharity.org.uk