Ostomy Vocabulary 101

Colostomy: type of ostomy where the large intestine is brought to the abdominal surface through a surgically created opening to eliminate stool.

Ileostomy: type of ostomy where the smalle intestine is brought to the abdominal surface through a surgically created opening to eliminate stool.

Urostomy: a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows people to eliminate urine.

Ostomy: a general term that encompasses all types of ostomy surgeries.

Internal Deodorant: used to deodorize stool/feces and taken orally.  A common product used is Devrom chewable tablets.

Output: refers to stool or urine that exits the body through the stoma.

Skin Barrier: the part of a two piece ostomy appliance system that goes directly onto the skin around the stoma and also attaches to the bag.  Also called a faceplate and wafer, this will protect peristomal skin from contact from stomal output.

Bag: also known as a pouch.  A general term for the ostomy appliance.

Peristomal: the area of the skin around your stoma. It is very important to maintain the health of the skin around the stoma.

Ostomy Paste: usually a pectin based product used to smooth divots and creases of the skin around the stoma and to protect the peristomal skin.  A common product is Stomahesive paste and Adapt Paste .

Standard Wear: a general term for the type of material that makes up the skin barrier.  It  has different names depending on the ostomy manufacturer.  Usually costs less and will have a shorter wear time.

Extended Wear: a general term for the type of material that makes up the skin barrier.  It  has different names depending on the ostomy manufacturer.  Usually costs more and will have a longer wear time.

Stool: fecal matter or waste coming from the small intestine and large intestine.

Herniation: when the intestine presses against a weak area of the abdominal muscle.  Called a peristomal hernia when this happens close to the stoma.  Can be minimized with an ostomy belt.  Surgery can also be used in its correction.

One Piece Appliance: comprising of an ostomy bag and a skin barrier as one piece.

Ostomy Absorbent: an ostomy accessory common for ileostomies and used to thicken or gelatinize the pouch contents. Available as a scoop or a packet form i.e. ParSORB Gel Packets .

Ostomy Deodorant: any product that deodorizes the pouch contents.  Used by placing the deodorant directly into the bag such as m9, Brava Lubricating Deodorant, and DevKo.

Two Piece Appliance: an ostomy system where the bag and skin barrier are separated.  This allows the user to just change the bag when desired.

Closed End Pouch: a type of ostomy bag where there is no opening to empty it.  Common to people with colostomies.

Drainable Pouch: an ostomy bag where the bottom part is re-sealable allowing the user to empty when needed.

Tail Closure: a clip used to close drainable ostomy bags.

Resealable Closure: a closure method of drainable ostomy pouches where a hook and loop type method is used.