Ostomy care patient education videos

An ostomy is a surgically created opening on the abdomen for the passage of stool. The stoma is the actual end of the small or large bowel that can be seen protruding through the abdominal wall. The most common types of ostomies are ileostomies and colostomies.

A colostomy is made of the colon or large intestine. The stool that comes out is soft, and bowel habits are a little more predictable than with an ileostomy. This is like stool that comes from the anus.

An ileostomy is made from your small bowel. Your small bowel breaks down and absorbs nutrients from your food. This stool is more liquid and contains digestive enzymes. It has less smell.

Either type of ostomy can be permanent or temporary. A temporary ostomy may be made to allow bowel further down to heal after surgery.

Watch the video below to learn how to change a 2-piece ostomy pouch. You should change your pouch every 3 to 4 days.