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Understanding your condition

What is a Stoma?

A clear guide to stoma types, reasons for surgery, and what life with a stoma looks like — from ileostomy to urostomy and beyond.

Ileostomy Colostomy Urostomy MACE & Mitrofanoff
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All ages may require a stoma — from newborns to the very elderly
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Most stomas are temporary — permanent stomas are less common
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Virtually invisible under clothing — no one needs to know
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Government funded products through the Stoma Appliance Scheme
Overview Reasons Stoma Types Ileostomy Colostomy Urostomy Other Types Next Steps
Understanding the basics

What is a Stoma?

A stoma is created when a person undergoes a surgical procedure which results in a section of the bowel being brought to the surface of the abdominal wall. The bowel is opened and formed into a stoma, which will discharge faecal matter or urine, depending upon the type of surgery. A collection pouch is fitted over the stoma to collect the material coming through this alternative elimination site.

Stomas can be created anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, depending upon where the problem occurs. Most people learn to manage the daily care of the stoma as part of their usual hygiene routine, and a return to a normal diet is to be expected.

Living a full life: People with stomas can return to work, recreation, parenthood and travel — in fact, almost everything they would want to do. It's very rare that a stoma can be seen under clothes, so no one else needs to know that you have a stoma if you choose not to share this information.

Stoma Appliance Scheme

The Australian Government subsidises stoma products through the SAS — at no cost to eligible participants.

Learn About the SAS

Find a Stomal Therapist

A Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) is a specialist who can guide you through product selection, stoma care and daily management.

Search STN Directory ↗
Why surgery may be needed

Reasons for the Formation of a Stoma

A stoma may be created for a range of medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to:

  • •Trauma to the abdomen
  • •Some cancers of the bowel, bladder or pelvic organs
  • •Diseases such as diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
  • •Congenital abnormalities
  • •Some uncommon familial disorders
  • •Some neurological disorders where toileting is complicated
  • •Degenerative changes in the bowel's blood supply in preterm babies or the elderly
  • •After-effects of some radiation therapy to the pelvis

Every stoma journey is different. The type of stoma you receive, whether it is temporary or permanent, and the location on your abdomen all depend on your individual medical circumstances. Your surgeon and Stomal Therapy Nurse will explain exactly what to expect.

Be Prepared & Informed

Questions to ask your surgeon, what a stoma means for daily life, and how to prepare emotionally and practically before your operation.

Read the Guide →
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Ileostomy

Bowel Stoma

In an ileostomy operation, a part of your small bowel called the ileum is brought to the surface of your abdomen to form the stoma. An ileostomy is typically made in cases where the end part of the small bowel is diseased, and is usually made on the right-hand side of your abdomen.

Stools in this part of the intestine are generally fluid and, because a stoma has no muscle to control defecation, will need to be collected in a pouch.

Types of ileostomy surgery
End ileostomy

An end ileostomy is made when part of your large bowel (colon) is removed (or simply needs to rest) and the end of your small bowel is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form a stoma. An end ileostomy can be temporary or permanent.

The temporary solution is relevant in situations where the diseased part of the bowel has been removed and the remaining part needs to rest before the ends are joined together. The permanent solution is chosen in situations where it is too risky or not possible to re-join the two parts of the intestine.

Loop ileostomy

In a loop ileostomy, a loop of the small bowel is lifted above skin level and held in place with a stoma rod. A cut is made on the exposed bowel loop, and the ends are then rolled down and sewn onto the skin. In this way, a loop ileostomy actually consists of two stomas that are joined together.

The loop ileostomy is typically temporary and performed to protect a surgical join in the bowel. If temporary, it will be closed or reversed in a later operation.

Source: Coloplast

Hydration is critical. Because an ileostomy bypasses the large intestine — where most water absorption occurs — people with an ileostomy are at higher risk of dehydration. Monitor your fluid intake and discuss electrolyte management with your STN.

Ileostomy Nutrition Guide

Practical tips on eating well, managing output, and staying hydrated with an ileostomy.

Eating with an Ileostomy →
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Colostomy

Bowel Stoma

In a colostomy operation, part of your colon is brought to the surface of your abdomen to form the stoma. A colostomy is usually created on the left-hand side of your abdomen. Stools in this part of the intestine are solid and, because a stoma has no muscle to control defecation, will need to be collected using a stoma pouch.

Types of colostomy surgery
End colostomy

If parts of your large bowel (colon) or rectum have been removed, the remaining large bowel is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form a stoma. An end colostomy can be temporary or permanent.

The temporary solution is relevant in situations where the diseased part of the bowel has been removed and the remaining part of the bowel needs to rest before the ends are joined together. The permanent solution is chosen in situations where it is too risky or not possible to re-join the two parts of the intestine.

Loop colostomy

In a loop colostomy, your bowel is lifted above skin level and held in place with a stoma rod. A cut is made on the exposed bowel loop, and the ends are then rolled down and sewn onto the skin. In this way, a loop stoma actually consists of two stomas (double-barrelled stoma) that are joined together.

The loop colostomy is typically a temporary measure performed in acute situations. It can also be carried out to protect a surgical join in the bowel.

Source: Coloplast

ColostomyXplained

"Colostomy Xplained" explains colostomy to new and prospective ostomates and their families in a simple and easy-to-understand manner through storytelling. Developed by MedicineX in collaboration with ACSA, surgeons, STNs and patients.

Available online and via the MedicineX app on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Explore ColostomyXplained

Made possible through the generous support of ConvaTec (Aust) Pty Ltd.

Colostomy Nutrition Guide

Hints and tips for eating well and managing output with a colostomy.

Eating with a Colostomy →
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Urostomy — Ileal Conduit

Urinary Stoma

If your bladder or urinary system is damaged or diseased and you are unable to pass urine normally, you will need a urinary diversion. This is called a urostomy or an ileal conduit.

An isolated part of the small intestine is brought onto the surface of the right-hand side of your abdomen and the other end is sewn up. The ureters are detached from the bladder and reattached to the isolated section of the intestine.

Because this section of the intestine is too small to function as a reservoir, and there is no muscle or valve to control urination, you will need a urostomy pouch to collect the urine.

Key difference: Unlike bowel stomas, a urostomy diverts urine rather than faecal matter. The pouch used has a drainage tap at the bottom and is typically connected to an overnight drainage bag while sleeping.

Specialist procedures

Other Types of Stoma

Less common stoma types and specialist surgical procedures.

MACE — The Malone Antegrade Continence Enema Procedure

The MACE procedure is a surgical procedure designed to help patients with neurogenic bowel (chronic constipation and/or inability to control stool elimination due to a neurologic problem) attain faecal continence.

For patients with chronic constipation problems, often enemas, suppositories, digital disimpaction or other messy and uncomfortable methods are required to pass a stool. Many patients with neurogenic bowel are also unable to sense when a bowel movement is impending and so have "accidents" and require the use of continence aids.

The MACE procedure involves bringing the tip of the appendix to the abdominal wall skin where it is sewn into place to form a stoma. It is usually placed at the umbilicus, where it is well-hidden. Following MACE surgery, the bowel is "flushed", usually daily, with body temperature water through a catheter inserted into the bowel through the stoma. Each irrigation generally takes 30–60 minutes, during which time the person sits on the toilet while passing the water and stool into the toilet.

Mitrofanoff

The Mitrofanoff procedure creates a continent urinary stoma using the appendix. A channel is constructed between the bladder and the skin surface, and a catheter is inserted at intervals to drain the bladder.

Unlike a urostomy, the Mitrofanoff does not require an external collection bag — the person empties their bladder on a schedule using a catheter passed through the stoma channel.

Other less common types

Additional specialist stoma types include:

  • •Chait Trapdoor — a surgically placed device used for antegrade continence enema, similar in purpose to MACE
  • •Internal pouch (Kock pouch / J-pouch) — an internal reservoir created from the small intestine, eliminating the need for an external pouch in some patients

Your surgeon and Stomal Therapy Nurse will explain which type of stoma is appropriate for your condition and individual circumstances.

Have Questions? Talk to a Specialist.

A Stomal Therapy Nurse can help you understand your stoma type, choose the right products and build confidence in daily care.

Find a Stomal Therapist ↗ Find an Association