What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is a type of surgery required when a person has lost the normal function of the bowel or bladder due to birth defect, disease, injury or other disorder. Such operations include:
- Colostomy
- Ileostomy
- Urostomy
- Continent Procedures
An ostomy allows normal body wastes to be expelled through a surgical opening in the abdominal wall and into a special appliance over the stoma or artificial opening.
Who are ostomates?
Ostomates are people of all races, occupations, all ethnic backgrounds. Their ages range from infants to the elderly. Most ostomates live normal, productive lives.