Yesterday it became obvious to me that some people have difficulty in distinguishing between Urostomy and Colostomy. If you or a loved one have never been afflicted by a disease or situation that necessitates you having to wear a pouch for some reason, then it is very understandable.
There are four main terms associated with having to wear a pouch. I am writing this from a non-professionals point of view. Therefore, this article would not be adequate for the Medical Community.
1. Ostomy
2. Stoma
3. Urostomy - patients need to wear a pouch
4. Colostomy - patients need to wear a pouch
These above terms are explained fully in one of the best PDF file that I have ever read. It is produced by Texas Children’s Hospital. This PDF was designed with children in mind but it equally applies to patients of all ages. Download this PDF, A MUST READ
Patients who have a Urostomy and or Colostomy, some patients have both, have had surgery and a stoma created to bring the waste to the outside of the body.
- In Urostomy, the waste is urine from the kidneys
- In Colostomy, the waste is the contents from the bowel
In both cases, one of the main reasons for needing a pouch system in older patients is cancer. Cancer of the bladder, rectum, or lower bowel is just a few of the reasons why a stoma is required. There are many other reasons why patients might need a pouch system. Organs destroyed beyond repair from accidents and children born with a birth defect. Yes, children sometimes have to be fitted with a stoma for different reasons. The need for Ostomy services knows no age barrier.I could ramble on here telling you what I know about Ostomy since I am a Urostomy patient myself because of bladder cancer. Really, everything you want to know is in the Texas Children’s Hospital PDF.
Posted on February 15th, 2008 by Neil
Filed under: My Cancer
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