Learning Centre Types of Stoma

What is a Stoma?


Understanding Your Stoma

The word 'stoma' comes from the Greek language and means an 'opening into or out of the body'. It can also mean 'mouth'.

Every year, thousands of people undergo stoma surgery. For some, the surgery is a lifesaving procedure. For others, the surgery is a result of bowel disease, a result of an accident, or done to correct a birth defect.

In recent years, surgical procedures have improved greatly, and many stoma operations are now temporary instead of permanent.

  • Colostomy
  • Ileostomy
  • Urostomy