ALL THE INFO
What You Need to Know
This page includes everything from the different types of stoma's and causes. All of this information has been written by myself, and where required, some information from support communities may have been used to offer the best explanations and support.
TYPES OF STOMA'S
COLOSTOMY
End Colostomy
This is where one end of the colon is pulled through and sewn to your abdomen. This can be permanent or temporary. The other part of the diseased bowel is usually either removed or allowed to heal before being joined back up together.
COLOSTOMY
Loop Colostomy
This is when a looped portion of your colon is pulled through to your abdomen. An incision is made in the loop and then sewn to your stomach with a rod to keep it above surface level. A loop colostomy is usually a temporary measure performed in emergency operation and will be reversed a few weeks/months down the line.
ILEOSTOMY
End Ileostomy
This is where one end of the ileum is pulled through and sewn to your abdomen. This can be permanent or temporary. The other part of the diseased bowel is usually either removed or allowed to heal before being joined back up together.
ILEOSTOMY
Loop Ileostomy
(This is what I have)
This is when a looped portion of your ileum is pulled through to your abdomen. An incision is made in the loop and then sewn to your stomach with a rod to keep it above surface level. A loop ileostomy is usually a temporary measure performed in emergency operation and will be reversed a few weeks/months down the line.
UROSTOMY
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A urostomy is formed when your bladder is removed due to disease such as bladder cancer. A small piece of your bowel will be pulled through an incision made through your abdomen and sewn to your stomach to form a stoma. The ureters will then be detached from the bladder and attached to the piece of bowel to form the urostomy.
WHAT CAUSES A STOMA?
Remember, not all situations are the same
CROHN'S DISEASE
(This is what I have)
Crohn’s Disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut. It can affect any part of the gut, though the most common area affected  is the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine), or the colon. The areas of inflammation are often patchy with sections of normal gut in between. A patch of inflammation may be small, only a few centimetres, or extend quite a distance along part of the gut. As well as affecting the lining of the bowel, it may also go deeper into the bowel wall.
BOWEL CANCER
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Bowel cancer is also called colorectal cancer. It affects the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. The cells in your body normally divide and grow in a controlled way. When cancer develops, the cells change and can grow in an uncontrolled way.nMost bowel cancers develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. But not all polyps develop into cancer. If your doctor finds any polyps, he or she can remove them to prevent them becoming cancerous.
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
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Ulcerative Colitis is a condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the rectum and colon (the large bowel). In UC, ulcers develop on the surface of the lining and these may bleed and produce mucus. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon. If UC only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis, while if it affects the whole colon it may be called total colitis or pancolitis.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
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Not all stoma's are created the same nor are they created from the same situations. Many procedures can be from damage to the bowel (small or large) in an accident or trauma. It is important to remember that there is an endless list of illnesses and diseases that can result in a stoma but the main causes are these that are listed.