# What is an ostomy (stoma)? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-ostomy-stoma-guide Language: en Category: surgery Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.538Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.538Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-ostomy-stoma-guide A stoma (ostomy) is a surgical opening created in the abdominal wall to divert the pathway of waste, whether stool or urine, from the body when the relevant organ cannot function normally or requires a period of recovery. These surgical procedures are essential for saving lives or improving bodily functions in cases of specific digestive or urinary system diseases [\[3\]](). ## Why might you need an ostomy procedure? Surgery to create a stoma is a therapeutic solution for many health conditions that obstruct natural excretion pathways. The most common causes include cancerous tumors in the bladder, colon, or rectum, which require the removal of the affected organ or the diversion of its pathway. Medical teams also resort to this procedure for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as well as traumatic injuries, bowel obstructions, or congenital defects that cause dysfunction in bladder or bowel control [\[2\]](). ## What are the main types of ostomy? Ostomy types vary based on the part of the digestive or urinary system used, with the most important being: - **Colostomy:** A section of the colon is connected to an abdominal opening to expel stool, usually as a solution for colon and rectal diseases. - **Ileostomy:** The final part of the small intestine (ileum) is connected to the outer surface of the abdomen, bypassing the colon and rectum entirely [\[3\]](). - **Urostomy:** Aims to divert the flow of urine directly from the kidneys to the outside through a piece of intestine repurposed to act as a urinary channel [\[2\]](). ## How to care for a stoma and maintain quality of life Living with an ostomy requires learning essential care skills to ensure skin integrity and patient health. It is very important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the stoma [\[2\]](). When changing the pouch, the skin surrounding the opening must be cleaned gently with warm water and mild soap, then dried completely before applying the new pouch to ensure proper adhesion and prevent leakage [\[1\]](). It is also important to empty the pouch regularly; it is recommended to empty it when it is one-third to one-half full to avoid excess weight that may lead to the pouch detaching or skin irritation [\[2\]](). For deeper details regarding daily life, you can review our specialized article: [Living with an Ostomy: A Comprehensive Guide to Daily Care and Improving Quality of Life (Arabic)](). ## Signs requiring medical consultation Although the ostomy is part of the treatment path, there are specific signs that should not be ignored and require immediate contact with a healthcare provider, including: - A change in the color of the stoma to purple, black, or blue. - The presence of pus discharging from the opening, an unusual foul odor, or abnormal bleeding. - Appearance of signs of infection, such as fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher) or chills. - Experiencing severe nausea or recurrent vomiting. - A complete cessation of gas or stool passage accompanied by severe abdominal pain or noticeable bloating. - A noticeable change in the shape of the stoma, such as becoming longer than usual or retracting inward [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Changing your ostomy pouch]() - [Urinary Diversion]() - [Ostomy]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-ostomy-stoma-guide#answer