Ostomy Care and Stoma Management at Home

Whether you're training to become a healthcare professional or providing support as a carer, having a clear understanding of ostomy surgery is essential. In this blog, we’ll cover the key aspects of ostomies, including what a stoma is, the main types of ostomy procedures, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. We’ll also explore the practicalities of post-operative care and ongoing stoma management, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to support your patients effectively at every stage.

An ostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) from an area inside of the body to the outside. A stoma is a result of an ostomy operation. It is an artificial opening that allows faeces or urine from the intestine or the urinary tract to pass out of the body. An ostomy pouch is essential to collect the output from the stoma. Carrying out effective ostomy care by cleaning the site, assessing the site for signs of infection, and monitoring output can help reduce and prevent infection after stoma surgery. A stoma may be created in different paths depending on the type of procedure required; however, in all procedures, a new pathway for waste materials is created. 

Our ostomy training products provide medical students like you with realistic, hands-on experience to build confidence and competence in stoma care, patient communication, and post-operative support. 

There are three major types of stomas: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. 

A colostomy creates the opening into the colon through the abdomen. The objective is to bypass a certain portion of the colon that may be damaged or diseased. Colostomy surgery may be required for various medical reasons, such as cancers, Chron’s disease, or other reasons. 

An ileostomy is performed when a portion of the patient’s small intestine and colon has been removed. This surgical procedure allows the waste to empty through an opening in the skin. 

A urostomy is performed when a patient feels discomfort in naturally urinating. Tubes are connected to carry urine to the stoma, and patients with damaged bladders undergo this procedure. 

Before the surgery, the surgeon determines the need for the procedure, and the patient meets with the medical team to discuss the details. The healthcare team provides detailed insights regarding different ostomy procedures. The location of the stoma is determined based on the patient’s lifestyle and clothing preferences. Care guidelines for stomas are provided as well. 

During the surgery, the patient is administered general anaesthesia. 

The surgeons have two options:
1. Perform a long incision in the abdomen
2. Perform the procedure laparoscopically 

Laparoscopy is the preferred option because it facilitates quicker patient recovery and greater precision. The type of incision is decided before the surgery commences. In a colostomy, the surgeons remove the damaged part of the rectum and attach a colostomy bag which is pouched in the stomach. In an ileostomy, the lower part of the small intestine is attached to the abdominal wall, and the ileostomy bag is pouched to the stoma. In urostomy, the surgeons modify the urinary tract by relocating the end of the small bowel. On relocation, the small bowel creates a passageway allowing urine to pass through the kidneys. 

Patients are hospitalised after the surgery, usually, the stay is short, ranging from a few hours to two days. The medical team checks on the patient to monitor healing and the functioning of the pouch. Intravenous drips are required for proper hydration. Patients can suffer from diarrhoea, hernia, prolapse, skin irritation, bleeding, infection, electrolytic imbalances, phantom rectum syndrome, rectal discharges, and vitamin B12 deficiency after surgery. 

A patient’s full recovery can take up to 8 weeks. During this period, the patient’s movement is restricted, and activity is limited. The patient, however, should stay mobile as this aids healing and prevents infections.

People who undergo the procedure wear an ostomy bag. 

Most bags have two parts:

1. A barrier for protecting stoma
2. A disposable plastic bag 

The bag needs to be replaced as per medical advice. Some bags are to be replaced daily, others every few days. 

To prevent infection, the patient needs to wipe away any mucous found around the stoma; lukewarm water and mild soap must be used to clean the skin. Once the skin is rinsed, the area should be dried completely. Encourage the patient to self-examine the stoma to ensure they become familiar with how it looks. Any noticeable changes in the size, colour and shape need to be immediately reported to the healthcare team. Additionally, doctors must be contacted if the patient suffers from excessive bleeding, odour changes, skin irritation, or water discharge from the stoma lasting more than 6 hours.  

Assess the stoma site for colour, drainage, and excoriation (signs of infection, redness, or oozing). Assess for adhesive and latex allergies. Peri-stomal skin assessment should be documented. 

Potential stoma complications include poor siting, hernia, prolapse, ischaemia/necrosis, and peristomal skin problems, including infection, necrosis, retraction, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Proper cleaning, observation and regular visits to stoma care nurses can all help reduce potential complications happening. 

Caring for a patient with a new stoma requires excellent communication skills, empathy, and good nursing skills. Stoma care is essential to avoid complications such as the above, and good care leads to good outcomes generally. 

• Explain the procedure to the patient.
• Explain the stoma should be a red colour.
• Ensure patient dignity and privacy are upheld using bed screens and a respectful approach.
• Encourage and teach self-care of the stoma using a patient-centred holistic approach. 

Ostomy Care Procedure 

• Confirm patient identity and obtain consent.
• Wash your hands; dry well and apply clean gloves.
• Cover the patient as much as possible for their privacy.
• Using adhesive remover, slowly peel the pouch off the skin with one hand while putting gentle pressure on the skin with the other.
• Dispose of the old pouch/bag in the clinical waste bag.
• Clean the stoma with lukewarm water and gauze (do not use soaps or baby wipes as they can leave an oily residue).
• Pat the skin dry with soft dry gauze. This is essential to obtain a good adhesive seal and prevent yeast infections.
• Place barrier cream around the site. 

As a healthcare professional, you understand how overwhelming life after ostomy surgery can be for patients. Providing patients with clear, supportive guidance is key to helping them adjust. 

Below is a simple, informative explanation you can pass on to patients to help them manage their stoma confidently at home.

Stoma measurement is required to ensure a good fit of the pouch, reducing the risk of leakage and protecting the surrounding skin. 

Equipment:
• Paper or card
• Scissors
• Stoma Measurement guide (click to download a free PDF)

• Take a piece of card, place it over the stoma, and cut out a template.
• Use the template to cut the adhesive part of the pouch to size.
• Measure about 0.63 cm (¼ inch) larger than the actual stoma for the bag/appliance to fit.
• Cut the appliance as per the measuring sheet.
• Remove backing paper from the pouch and apply the clean pouch to the stoma.
• Apply the lower part beneath the stoma and roll up over the stoma. Hold in place for 30 seconds to ensure the pouch is secure. Ensure no wrinkles are present.
• Dispose of all appliances as per clinical waste disposal policy and wash your hands.
• Time and date when the new bag went on and initial it.
• The bag lies to the front on mobile patients and on the side if on bed rest.
• Document the procedure, date and time. Record the measurement size of the stoma and characteristics of the stoma. 

After your operation, you should expect to be in the hospital for a few days to a week. 

Before you leave the hospital, your stoma care nurse will show you how to change your bag. If necessary, you will also be shown how to cut and measure the pouch to the right size and shape using a template. 

The stoma will be enlarged following surgery. Over the following few weeks, it will go down in size. 

Protect your skin by preventing stoma leaks. To prevent leaking, use a bag or pouch with the proper opening size. Be mindful of how you treat your stoma’s skin, and ensure you follow all medical advice around skincare. 

Before attaching the pouch, wash your skin with warm water and dry it well. Avoid products containing alcohol in your skincare routine. These have the potential to dry out your skin. Avoid applying oil-based items to the area near your stoma. This might make it difficult to connect the pouch to your body. 

To get rid of the waste (faeces), you’ll need to empty your stoma bag (ostomy device). A stoma care nurse can show you how. Stoma bags have several methods for emptying their contents. When the bag is between a third and a half-full, it is preferable to empty it. In the course of a day, you’ll probably do this a few times. After carefully pushing it down on your skin to separate the adhesive section of the pouch, remove the bag. Before disposing of it, flush the contents down the toilet. With a moist washcloth or paper towel, gently wipe the area surrounding your stoma. Pat the area with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Afterwards, reattach the bag. 

People with different types of stomas have different needs for how often they need to empty or change their bags. When you become used to your stoma, you’ll learn when it’s most active, and develop your own routine. Change the bag at a convenient moment that suits you. 

You can use lukewarm tap water to flush (rinse with water) certain types of bowel stoma instead of a bag. It’s referred to as irrigation. The goal is to avoid bowel movements in between flushes and only have them when the gut is irritated. A colostomy plug or cap is worn over the stoma instead of a bag. 

You can also wear colostomy plugs between bowel movements. Always follow the stoma care nurse’s advice with this 

Always observe the stoma for signs of infection such as increased oozing, very bright red colour, or soreness. 

• Leaks might cause anxiety as well as skin irritation. Your stoma care nurse can offer advice on how to minimise the risk of leakage. 

• As the stoma gets smaller, so does the portion of the bowel that connects to it. If this is the case, you may have thin poop and high-pitched wind. 

• Your stoma isn’t sticking out slightly as it should; therefore, it pushes back into your belly. If this happens, your skin may get inflamed, and you may have leaks. 

• Hernia in the peritoneum occurs when a portion of the intestine bulges out of its opening in muscle. You may be able to handle it with the help of a support belt, but surgery is always an option. 

This was a quick but insightful look into what is an ostomy (stoma) and the self-care management tips that you should pass on to your patients so they can care for their stoma at home.