TPN

Ostomy Coverage:

Let’s start with ostomy supplies.

An ostomy is a surgical procedure creating an opening in the body for the discharge of bodily wastes.

Different types of ostomies are used depending on how much and what part of the intestines (or bladder) is removed.

The three most common types of ostomies are:

colostomy (kol-osta-me)

ileostomy (Il-e-osta-me)

urostomy (yoo-ros-ta-me)

Colostomy

You are probably familiar with these terms, but a colostomy is made when a small portion of the colon (the large intestine) is brought to the surface of the abdominal wall to allow stool to be eliminated. These can be temporary or permanent.

A permanent colostomy usually involves loss of the rectum. A colostomy might be performed due to cancer, diverticulitis, imperforate (im-pur-for-at) anus, Hirschsprung's (hersch-sprung) disease, or trauma to the affected area.

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is an opening created in the small intestine to bypass the colon for stool elimination. The end of the ileum, which is the lowest part of the small intestine, is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma.

Ileoanal reservoir surgery is also common, which is an alternative to a permanent ileostomy. It requires two surgical procedures; the first removes the colon and rectum and creates a temporary ileostomy. The second creates an internal pouch from a portion of the small intestine to hold stool. This is then attached to the anus. Since the muscle of the rectum is left in place, there is control over bowel movements.

An ileostomy might be performed due to ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or familial polyposis.

Urostomy

And a urostomy is a surgical procedure that diverts urine away from a diseased or defective bladder. Among several methods to create the urostomy, the most common method is called an ileal or cecal conduit. A section at the end of the small intestine (the ileum) or at the beginning of the large intestine (the cecum) is relocated surgically to form a stoma through which urine can pass. Other common names for this procedure are ileal loop or colon conduit.

A urostomy may be performed due to bladder cancer, spinal cord injuries, malfunction of the bladder, and birth defects such as spina bifida.

Since some of these procedures bypass the sphincter muscle there is no voluntary control over bowel movements, so an external pouch must be worn to catch the discharge.