An ostomy is an opening in the body surgically created for the discharge of wastes. Several specific types of ostomies exist:
Colostomy (temporary, permanent, sigmoid/descending, transverse, loop, ascending)
Ileostomy
Ileoanal Reservoir (also called the J-pouch)
Continent Ileostomy
Urostomy
Continent Urostomy
Indiana Pouch
Orthotopic Neobladder
Along with the surgical procedures may come psychosocial issues that include body-image, self-esteem, self-care and relationship concerns.1
Newton Medical Center provides not only ostomy surgery and supplies but also follow-up care and support to help patients adapt to their new situation and answer any questions that patients and caregivers may have.
1. United Ostomy Associations of America. 2011-07-28. URL:http://www.ostomy.org/ostomy_info/whatis.shtml. Accessed: 2011-07-28.