Ostomy Care

A colostomy procedure can bring a many levels of anxiety, both before and after the procedure. Our VNA nurses are here to help you manage your ongoing ostomy care after the surgery.

When a person needs Ostomy care…

After a Colostomy

This surgery is conducted when a part of the intestine doesn’t work correctly. During the surgery, an opening is made in the stomach so that part of the intestine is brought to the skin surface. This opening is called an ostomy. There are two types: 1) a colostomy is an ostomy of the colon; 2) an ileostomy is an ostomy of the small intestine.

With an ostomy, waste leaves the body through the part of your intestine at the ostomy opening (called the stoma).

What is a Colostomy?

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of diseased portions of the gastrointestinal or urinary system and creation of an artificial opening in the abdomen to allow for the elimination of body wastes. It can be permanent, when an organ must be removed, or temporary, when the organ needs time to heal.

What Ostomy care looks like:

Emptying and changing the pouch

The ostomy pouch collects urine or stool. The pouch is worn outside the body (but is often easily concealed under clothing).

Cleaning the area and caring for the skin around the stoma

This includes:
1) Removing the pouch
2) Cleaning the skin under the pouch with water
3) Safely drying the skin
4) Applying ostomy powder to the skin and removing any excess
5) Reattaching the pouch

Preventing and identifying issues

VNA Home Health Nurses will recognize any developing skin conditions, manage activities of daily living with an ostomy, order monthly ostomy supplies and know available resources to manage any problems.

Ongoing education

Especially around food guidelines in order to minimize discomfort.

Do I qualify?

Learn more about what questions you should be asking yourself or your loved one to figure out if you qualify for one of VNA’s home health services.

Learn More

Contact Us

Do you need Ostomy care? Reach out to us and we’ll make sure to get with you as soon as possible.

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