Beginner's Guide to Ostomy Supplies

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What's an ostomy?

An ostomy is a common term that describes the surgical process of making a stoma. Stoma interprets from the Greek word for opening and is quite literally an opening that connects an internal part of the body through an opening in the skin .

There are several types of ostomies, and many health issues why somebody would get ostomy surgery. Some of the most typical types of ostomies are :

Colostomy - An ostomy that connects a little of the large intestine through the abdomen. The patient wears and ostomy pouch to gather waste.

Illeostomy - An ostomy that connects some of the small intestine through the skin. Waste will circumvents the colon, rectum, and the anal sphincter. The patient wears ostomy pouches for waste gathering.

Tracheostomy - An opening in the throat for the windpipe.

Urostomy - An opening through the skin for the urinary system.

While ostomies are typically upsetting, there are a number of ostomy-specific devices and supplies which make having an ostomy as straightforward as possible for the patient to self-manage the safekeeping of the stoma and waste. There are also supplies to enhance the mobility and privacy of those who need to wear ostomy appliances.

Ostomy Supplies
For those with an ostomy, especially those who are mobile, it's best to have more than one supply kits available in the event of emergencies. An good ostomy kit would contain most or all of the items below:

Skin Wafers - A wafer or flange is a little piece that fits around the stoma. Every stoma is a different shape and size, so the wafer requires cutting to fit an individual's particular stoma. Some supply producers will pre-cut the skin wafer for you.

Ostomy Pouches - Ostomy pouches, like wafers, come in a number of sizes and options. One piece systems mean the pouch is permanently hooked up to the skin wafer. A two piece pouch means the pouch can come off of the wafer to be replaced, emptied, or cleaned without removing the wafer. Secondly, there are closed end and open end pouches. A closed end pouch isn't reusable but has less issues with accidents during out of doors activities and / or swimming. An open ended pouch is drainable and reusable.

Adhesives and Removers - The wafer will attach to the skin using a skin adhesive. The adhesive keeps the wafer in place around the stoma so the pouch will drain correctly . The adhesive remover will ensure that the skin stays clean and freed from irritation and infections.

Skin Barrier Wipes, Powder, and Pastes - All these items help keep the stoma free of illnesses, injuries, and dry. They will also ensure the wafer sticks to the skin well and promotes the healing sore skin.

Barrier Rings - Quite simply they help keep the wafer in place around the stoma.

Ostomy Belt - The belt provides additional protection for those that are mobile, confidently securing the wafer and pouch to the body.

Other Supplies - Have cleaning supplies (anti-bacterial soap, washcloths ) available for cleaning any supplies, skin, and hands when handing the stoma and all supplies. A pen is helpful for marking precisecuts on the wafer, and also the scissors for cutting the wafer to size.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Kyle Jindel is a writer emphasizing home health concerns for patients, nurses, and caretakers. For more up to date info on Ostomy, visit OstomyGuide.com. Visit STLMedical.com for ostomy supplies from Hollister, Coloplast and Convatec as well as other skin care and home medical supplies.

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