Ostomy and it's equipment

The terms ostomy and stoma are general descriptive terms that are often used interchangeably though they have different meanings. An ostomy refers to the surgically created opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes. A stoma is the actual end of the ureter or small or large bowel that can be seen protruding through the abdominal wall.

A kind of Ostomy is a colostomy, that is a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, leaving the patient with an opening on the abdomen called a stoma. In a colostomy, the stoma is formed from the end of the large intestine, which is drawn out through the incision and sutured to the skin. After a colostomy, feces leave the patient's body through the stoma. A colostomy may be permanent or temporary, depending on the reasons for its use.



Every Ostomy need Pouching systems that may include a one-piece or two-piece system. Both kinds include a skin barrier/wafer ("faceplate" in older terminology) and a collection pouch. The pouch (one-piece or two-piece) attaches to the abdomen by the skin barrier and is fitted over and around the stoma to collect the diverted output, either stool or urine. The barrier/wafer is designed to protect the skin from the stoma output and to be as neutral to the skin as possible.

These are the major types of pouching systems. There are also a number of styles. For instance there are flat wafers and convex shaped ones. There are fairly rigid and very flexible ones. There are barriers with and without adhesive backing and with and without a perimeter of tape. Some manufacturers have introduced drainable pouches with a built-in tail closure that doesn't require a separate clip. The decision as to what particular type of system to choose is a personal one geared to each individual's needs. There is no right or wrong choice, but each person must find the system that performs best for him or her.

After surgery we leave the hospital wearing a particular brand of ostomy equipment. Finding the right type of ostomy supplies is an essential element for living well with an ostomy.Many people stay with their initial brand and live happily. However, there is more than one manufacturer of ostomy supplies, the best one you can find at Hocks.com. Hocks carries a complete line of both Convatec and Hollister supplies as well as many skin care products designed for the ostomy patient.

Overall here are some tips to remember when choosing your type of ostomy supplies:

• Always consult with your ostomy nurse first for information and recommendations for your particular situation.

• Remember that every person is different and you need to find what works best for you.

• Check with your supplier for suggestions for new products. Ask if they have an ostomy nurse or other knowledgeable staff available to answer questions.