If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or cancer or suffer from chronic diarrhea, constipation or tears in the intestinal wall, an ostomy can be a lifesaving, symptom-relieving treatment. We provide the only outpatient ostomy care in the region managed by a certified wound, ostomy and continence doctorate nurse practitioner with experience caring for complicated ostomies.
What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is an opening in the abdomen created by a surgeon. Waste is eliminated through the opening, allowing a diseased or an injured portion of the digestive or urinary system to rest or heal.
Ostomies are typically fecal or urinary. They can be temporary or permanent depending on the disease and surgical procedure needed. The most common types are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy or ileal conduit.
Does an ostomy require special care?
Individuals with an ostomy typically require a pouching system to collect body waste. Our ostomy team tailors the system to meet the patient's needs, and patients must care for the system at home. We recommend that a certified ostomy nurse manage anyone with an ostomy to ensure optimal care and preserve quality of life.
A certified ostomy nurse is a registered nurse credentialed in the management of ostomies. Certification indicates the nurse has advanced clinical skills and knowledge to provide care for routine and complex ostomies.
Our outpatient ostomy care services
Services provided by the outpatient ostomy care team at The Christ Hospital Health Network include:
preoperative stoma site marking
pre- and postoperative ostomy care and education
problem management, including issues with leaking and skin irritations
stoma measurement, product fitting and assistance with product selection
treatment of peristomal skin complications
education on coping, lifestyle modifications and caregiver support
fistula care and management
ongoing communication and collaboration with surgeons and primary care providers
To learn more about outpatient ostomy care at The Christ Hospital Health Network, please call 513-585-4595.