World Ostomy Day - October 2, 2024

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy causes a change in the way urine or stool exits the body following a surgical procedure. Bodily waste is rerouted from its usual path due to malfunctioning of either the urinary or digestive systems. An ostomy may be temporary or permanent. Ostomies are prosthetics.

There are approximately 725,000-1,000,000 persons living with an ostomy in the U.S. Approximately 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed annually in the United States. (source: ostomy.org)

Common reasons for an ostomy

• Diverticulitis causing rupture
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Birth defects
• Cancer
• Bowel Obstruction
• Injury

Ostomy.org (United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. or UOAA) is a great resource for education, support, and advocacy. The UOAA has information on the Patient Bill of Rights, travel tips and TSA, the Pheonix magazine, support group locator, and so much more.

Oaklawn Wound Care Center provides pre-operative education, care, and support for planned ostomy surgeries. Access for ongoing post-operative education, care, and support is available at the Oaklawn Wound Care Center.

Ostomies Save Lives!