What Is an Ostomy? A Simple Guide for New Patients

What Is an Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgical opening created on the abdomen to allow stool or urine to leave the body when the natural pathway is no longer working properly.
This small opening is called a stoma.

A stoma is typically round or oval, pink or red in color, and moist—similar to the inside of your mouth. It has no nerves, so it does not feel pain when touched.

Why Do People Need an Ostomy?

An ostomy may be temporary or permanent.
Common medical reasons include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Trauma or injury to the bowel
  • Congenital conditions present at birth
  • Bladder dysfunction or disease

Your healthcare team determines whether the ostomy is a long-term or short-term solution based on your condition and recovery plan.

The Three Main Types of Ostomies

Although every person’s experience is different, most ostomies fall into one of these categories:

1. Colostomy

A colostomy is created from the large intestine (colon).
Output is usually more formed, depending on which part of the colon is used.

Common features:

  • Stool is typically solid or semi-solid
  • May follow a routine bowel pattern
  • Often used for colorectal cancer or diverticulitis patients

2. Ileostomy

An ileostomy is created from the small intestine (ileum).
Output tends to be more liquid and continuous.

Helpful things to know:

  • Output is more frequent
  • Hydration becomes extra important
  • Often used for IBD and some cancer surgeries

3. Urostomy

A urostomy diverts urine instead of stool.
Urine drains continuously through the stoma into a pouching system.

Most often used when the bladder is removed or not functioning.

What Does a Stoma Look and Feel Like?

New patients often wonder what’s normal.
A typical stoma:

  • Is pink/red (like the inside of your cheek)
  • Feels moist
  • Moves slightly as stool or urine passes
  • May change size during the first 6–8 weeks after surgery

Since the stoma contains no pain nerves, cleaning or touching it should not hurt.

If you notice dramatic color changes, unusual bleeding, or severe swelling, contact your care team.

What Daily Life Is Like With an Ostomy

It takes time to adjust, but most people return to their usual routines, including:

  • Working
  • Exercising
  • Traveling
  • Sleeping comfortably
  • Enjoying favorite foods (with some adjustments if needed)

Many patients say they live more comfortably after surgery because the symptoms that made life difficult—pain, blockage, inflammation—are reduced or gone.

Will I Need Special Supplies?

Yes. Each person uses a pouching system that fits around their stoma to collect output.
Your stoma nurse will help you choose a system based on:

  • Stoma size and shape
  • Body shape
  • Type of ostomy
  • Output consistency

Over time, you’ll learn what works best for your lifestyle.

Helpful Tips for New Patients

  • Give yourself time—healing and adjusting take patience
  • Ask questions during follow-ups
  • Measure your stoma regularly in the first weeks
  • Keep a routine for changing your pouch
  • Join online or local ostomy support groups for community and encouragement

You’re not alone in this. Thousands of people live active, healthy lives with an ostomy.

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