What is an Ostomy?
An ostomy is an opening created surgically for bodily waste products, such as faeces, to leave the body.
This new opening (stoma) facilitates a connection from the intestines all the way through to protruding outside of the abdomen. Stomas can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's condition. For temporary stomas, the patient will undergo an ostomy reversal procedure to reconnect the intestine.
Types of Stomas
Ileostomy
An ileostomy is created when a portion of the small intestine, known as the ileum, is brought to the surface of the abdomen. An ileostomy is usually located at the lower-right abdomen and bowel movements are generally constant and watery, containing high volumes of salts and digestive enzymes. This is usually done after low rectal cancer surgeries, or sometimes after emergency intestine operations.
Colostomy
A colostomy is created when a portion of the large intestine, also known as the colon, is brought up to the surface of the abdomen. Sometimes, a colostomy is created to promote healing after part of the colon has been removed. For some conditions such as cancer involving the anus, the colostomy is permanent after the anus has been removed.
Caring for your Stoma
Once an ileostomy or colostomy is created, patients will need to undergo stoma training which will be provided by the nurses before they are discharged home. We will advise the appropriate pouching system based on your stoma and bowel movements. Skin care and nutrition advice will also be given.
Emptying/Pouch System
Diet & Nutrition
Odour & Gas Control
Skin Care
Medication
Lifestyle
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal bloating, cramping and distended abdomen
- Watery stoma output, or no output at all
- Decreased urine output
- Dark amber coloured or concentrated urine
- Light-headedness
- Swelling of the stoma
- Persistent leakage of the stoma
- Skin complications from the stoma
Our Motto
Caring Hearts, Educated Minds, Skilled Hands
Orchard
3 Mount Elizabeth #16-09, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,Singapore 228510
Tel:+65 6518 4688
Fax:+65 6235 0897
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road Connexion,#08-07 Farrer Park Medical Centre,Singapore 217562
Tel:+65 6518 4868
Fax:+65 6443 6616
Mon-Fri:8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat / PH Eve:8:30am - 12:00 noon
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
