If you or someone you love has recently been told they need an ostomy, or if you are simply trying to understand what ostomy care involves, you are in the right place. Ostomies may sound intimidating at first, but the more you know, the more manageable they become. Below, we are answering some of the most common questions people have about ostomy surgery, life afterward, and the supplies that support it all.

What Is an Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgical operation that helps your body remove waste when the usual way of removing it is not working. During ostomy surgery, a surgeon creates a small opening in the belly, called a stoma, for waste to come out. The waste then collects into a pouch, called an ostomy bag, that is worn attached to the stoma. 

Ostomies can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying condition and how the body heals following surgery.

Why Would Someone Need an Ostomy?

Ostomy surgery is a life-saving procedure often necessitated by conditions like IBD, colon cancer, anal fistulas, diverticulitis, and certain types of incontinence. It may also be required following injury or certain birth defects. In many cases, an ostomy significantly improves quality of life or is the reason a patient survives a serious illness.

What Are the Different Types of Ostomy?

There are three main types of ostomy, and they differ based on which part of the body is involved.

Colostomy A colostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that creates a passageway in which a piece of the colon is brought to an outside opening in the skin called a stoma. This allows digested food to pass into an external pouch system. Some colostomies are temporary and can be reversed once the bowel has healed; others are permanent.

Ileostomy An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen in which a piece of the ileum, the lowest part of the small intestine, is brought outside the abdominal wall and sewn into place to create a stoma. Ileostomies are common among people who have had their colon removed due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and they can also be temporary or permanent.

Urostomy A urostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen wall where a small piece of the intestine allows urine to pass through. The ureter is diverted through this piece of small intestine, and the stoma opening allows urine to flow out of the body and into an ostomy pouch. Urostomies are performed when the bladder is not functioning properly or must be removed.

Is an Ostomy Permanent?

Not always. Some people who have had a colostomy or ileostomy will live with an ostomy permanently. Others may use a temporary ostomy after surgery. The possibility of reversing an ostomy largely depends on the individual’s medical condition and the type of ostomy. Your care team is the best resource for understanding what to expect in your specific situation.

Can You Live a Normal Life With an Ostomy?

Yes. Having an ostomy has no effect on your lifespan, and it does not prevent someone from living a full, active life.

You can do many of the same activities you enjoyed before ostomy surgery. If you have a colostomy or ileostomy, you will find that various foods affect your digestive tract differently. Unless a favorite hobby is a contact sport with lots of potential for injury, you will generally be free to return to the activities you enjoy after healing from ostomy surgery. 

Many people return to work, travel, exercise, and enjoy active social lives. It takes some adjustment, and everyone’s experience is a little different, but living well with an ostomy is absolutely possible.

What Supplies Does Someone With an Ostomy Need?

Managing an ostomy day-to-day involves a few key categories of supplies.

Pouching systems are the foundation of ostomy care and come in one-piece and two-piece configurations. One-piece systems combine the skin barrier and pouch into a single unit, while two-piece systems allow the barrier and pouch to be changed separately, offering more flexibility.

Skin barriers and barrier rings help protect the skin around the stoma, create a secure seal, and prevent leaks. Ostomy pastes and powders are essential products that help smooth uneven skin surfaces, improve pouch adhesion, and prevent stoma leakage caused by moisture, skin folds, or irritation. 

Ostomy accessories round out day-to-day care. These include items such as barrier rings, appliance belts, barrier spray, lubricant, deodorant, powder, and paste. Adhesive removers are also commonly used to gently detach pouches without irritating the skin.

Where Can You Get Ostomy Supplies?

ATC Medical carries a comprehensive selection of ostomy supplies from trusted brands including Coloplast, ConvaTec, and Hollister. Whether you are managing care at home or stocking supplies for a clinical setting, you can find one-piece systems, two-piece systems, skin barriers, accessories, pastes, powders, and more all in one place.Browse the full ostomy supply catalog at ATC Medical and get what you need delivered conveniently to your door.