Understanding Your Ostomy
Every year, thousands of people undergo colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgeries. Learn more about what to expect.
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Colostomy
A colostomy is a surgically created opening into the colon through the abdomen. Its purpose is to allow the stool to bypass a diseased or damaged part of the colon. The output from a colostomy includes liquid or formed stool (or somewhere in between), gas and odour.Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening into the small intestine through the abdomen. With an ileostomy, a section of the small intestine and large intestine (colon) have been removed or bypassed. The output from an ileostomy after surgery is generally a steady liquid type of drainage. Over time though the stool will become thicker and more paste-like.Urostomy
A urostomy is a surgically created opening to drain urine. A urostomy allows urine to flow out of the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. The output from a urostomy is urine and possibly some mucus. -
Hollister has developed a series of ostomy educational videos. Topics include explanations of the different types of ostomy surgeries, along with discussions of important lifestyle issues, including diet, recreational activities, personal relationships, travelling and more.
Some of the following content is sourced from the US and may not be applicable in Australia/New Zealand or for your personal situation. Please contact your stoma nurse and/or Hollister (Ph. 1800 219 179) for the most up to date information.
Living with Your Ostomy
Living with Your Ostomy
This 5-minute video provides ostomy patients and carers with practical answers to lifestyle questions about diet, recreational activities, personal relationships, travelling and more.
View VideoThe Hollister Experience: How We Can Help
We believe in continuity of care, from providing educational materials for you to developing customised products that empower your active lifestyle.
View VideoHow to Measure Your Stoma
Your stoma is unique. Learn how to fit a pouch to minimise stomal and skin irritation and obtain optimal wear time.
View VideoLiving with a stoma: the patient perspective
Using pouching systems
Using ostomy accessories
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Topics include explanations of the different types of ostomy surgeries, along with discussions or important lifestyle changes.
Understanding Your Ostomy
Managing Your Loop Ileostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? Common features found in an loop ileostomy pouch? Routine care of your loop ileostomy? Work and exercise? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Loop Ileostomy.
View PDFManaging Your Colostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? The difference between a one-piece and a two-piece pouching system? Activity, exercise and sports? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Colostomy.
View PDFManaging Your Ileostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? Common features found in an ileostomy pouch? Routine care of your ileostomy? Work and exercise? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Ileostomy.
View PDFManaging Your Urostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? Urostomy pouches? Skin care? Diet? Clothing? Work? Travel? Activity, exercise and sports? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Urostomy.
View PDFManaging Your Ostomy: Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy
The information in the three individual ostomy education booklets is now available in this single book.
View PDFWhat's Right for Me?
Colostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which colostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFIleostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which ileostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFUrostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which urostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFCarer booklets
Caring for Your Loved One with an Ostomy
Are you responsible for caring for someone with an ostomy? This carer booklet provides you with helpful information for taking care of a person with an ostomy and for taking care of yourself in the process.
View PDFCaring for Your Child with an Ostomy
If your child has an ostomy, you will no doubt have concerns about the special care that he or she will need. This carer booklet helps supplement information you receive from your doctors and nurses.
View PDFLifestyle booklets
Are you ready to take the next step? The Lifestyle series is for the more experienced person living with a stoma who wants detailed information on specific topics.Hollister Stoma Diary
A personal resource booklet which you can make your own and can share with your clinician.
View PDFPregnancy and Childbirth with an Ostomy
Questions and answers about pregnancy, pre-natal care, labour and childbirth and contraception.
View PDFLove and Sex for People with an Ostomy
This booklet is about the way love and sex fit into your lifestyle now that you have a stoma.
View PDFMaintaining Personal and Professional Relationships with an Ostomy
Dealing with emotions, telling relatives and friends, returning to work and more.
View PDFSports and Fitness with an Ostomy
A look at commencing gentle exercise and discussion of three different types of sports.
View PDFTravel with an Ostomy
Preparing for travel, air and car trips, travelling with pouches and supplies, and more.
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Understanding Your Ostomy
One-Piece Pouching Systems
Two-Piece Pouching Systems
Accessories
Lock 'n Roll Closure
Pediatric Products