An ostomy is a lifesaving surgery that changes how your body gets rid of waste, like stool or urine. This happens when part of your digestive or urinary system isn’t working properly. Waste leaves your body through a new opening in your abdomen, called a stoma. An ostomy can be temporary or permanent, depending on your condition.
An ostomy is invisible
Approx 13.5 million people worldwide have an ostomy
Colostomy is the most common type of ostomy, followed by ileostomy and urostomy
Ostomies are needed by people of all ages, including infants, children, and young adults-
Not all ostomies are permanent
Why do people need ostomies?
Ostomies are done for many reasons, such as:
- Birth defects
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Diverticulitis
- Incontinence
- Serious injuries to the abdomen or pelvis
An ostomy can save your life and help you live a healthy, active life. It doesn’t shorten your life expectancy.
Types of ostomies
- Colostomy
This connects the colon (large intestine) to the abdomen. It’s often done if part of the colon or rectum is removed. - Ileostomy
This connects the ileum (the lower part of the small intestine) to the abdomen. It can be temporary or permanent and may involve removing part or all of the colon. - Urostomy
This redirects urine away from a damaged bladder. A piece of the small or large intestine is used to create a new path for urine to leave the body. - J-Pouch
This is an internal pouch made from the small intestine. It’s used to store stool and is often done for people with ulcerative colitis or certain inherited conditions. A temporary stoma may be needed while the pouch heals. - Continent Urostomy
This creates an internal pouch with a valve to store urine. You use a catheter to drain the urine instead of wearing an ostomy ouch.
Sources:
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/
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The content on this page has been reviewed by United Ostomy Associations of America (September 2025). For further information, please visit https://www.ostomy.org//
