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Bowel Diversions:
Colostomy: A portion of the large intestine is removed or by-passed. The remaining portion of the functioning large intestine (colon) is brought through the abdominal wall, creating a stoma.
Ileostomy: The entire colon, rectum and anus are removed or by-passed. The small intestine (ileum) is brought through the abdominal wall, creating a stoma.
Continent Ileostomy (abdominal pouch): An internal reservoir with a nipple valve is constructed from a section of small intestine and the valve is brought through the abdominal wall to create a stoma for intubation to empty the reservoir/pouch.
Ileoanal Reservoir/Pelvic Pouch: A pelvic pouch/reservoir is constructed from small intestine, which is brought down and attached to the anus. Evacuation is through the anus.
| TIP! Drinking cranberry juice helps neutralize alkaline urine which can produce crystals that can build up around the stoma |
Bladder Diversions:
Urostomy: The bladder is removed or bypassed. A conduit is constructed from a segment of the small intestine into which urethras are implanted and brought through the opening of the abdominal wall so that an external stoma is created.
Continent Urinary Reservoir: The bladder is removed or bypassed. An internal reservoir is constructed from a segment of the small or large intestine into which the urethras are implanted and a stoma is created for intubation to empty the reservoir/ pouch.
Regardless of the type of diversion you have, there are Ostomy supplies available to fit your individual needs. If you are living with an Ostomy you will find this site very helpful in your search for medical supplies and information.
Pouches – Skin Barriers
There are many quality Ostomy supplies such as pouches, skin barriers and irrigation kits that are produced by Hollister, Conva Tec and Coloplast. Ostomy supplies can be discreetly ordered online with guaranteed fast home delivery.
Pouches thankfully have come along way today they are made from odor-barrier material and are lightweight and low profile under clothing. The pouches come in one-piece and two-piece systems, designed to give you a proper and comfortable fit. An Ostomy pouch system consists of a special adhesive skin barrier and a drainable or closed-end pouch.
A drainable pouch lets you easily empty the output by releasing a clip and allowing it to drain through an opening at the bottom of the pouch. A closed-end or disposable pouch is a practical alternative for use during traveling or for convenience at any time. Drainable and closed-end pouches are available in both one-piece and two-piece systems. One Piece systems are great after surgery, some of the two piece systems require a great deal of pressure on the abdomen wall to secure the two pieces that only when the muscle wall is strong enough to handle this pressure this kinds of systems would be used. These are great systems and the security in the seal is worth it.
Initially, the selection of your pouching system will be made while you're in the hospital. Your enterostomal therapist or ET nurse will show you how to change the system and care for your skin.
As you resume your normal routine you may decide to experiment with different types of Ostomy pouch supplies. Although your ultimate choice will depend on the location and output of your stoma, it makes sense to learn about options that can enhance your lifestyle and meet your special needs.
To make sure you have the proper pouch fit, you will need to measure your stoma frequently, especially during recovery, when the stoma is in the process of shrinking to its permanent size. To be on the safe side, measure your stoma every time you purchase Ostomy supplies. If you gain or lose weight, you may need to check the fit of your Ostomy pouching system. Empty your pouch after each meal or when it's one-third full.
Soap and water do not hurt the stoma, so you can bathe and shower just as you always have. However, it's a good idea to choose a soap that is residue free. Soaps containing moistures and oils-such as cream soaps, liquid wipes and baby wipes-leave a residue that can interfere with how well the skin barrier adheres to your skin.
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