Ostomy Management
Each year, thousands of Americans have colostomies. Ostomy evaluation before and after surgery can improve your outcome and anticipate your special needs.
As a new ostomy patient, you probably have questions. At Hunterdon Medical Center, our Outpatient Ostomy Management program can put you in touch with the answers you need.
Beverly Phillips is the Clinical Coordinator of Ostomy Care for Hunterdon Medical Center. Ostomy evaluation and assessment - before and after surgery - assure excellent care to meet your special needs.
Whether your ostomy was performed at Hunterdon Medical Center or another facility - even in another state - ostomy management is available to you by a certified ostomy nurse. Whether your ostomy is new or established, we can help you address care issues that arise, and keep you informed of new treatment options available to you.
What are the benefits of ostomy management by an ostomy nurse? In addition to the reassurance of knowing that your care is provided by a professional with specialized training in the issues you face, you can be monitored for detection and management of potential complications. You'll also benefit from the psychological support you need as you adjust to your condition. An ostomy manangement program is also an excellent resource for locating the best supplies for your ongoing care.
A physician's prescription is required for all outpatient ostomy visits, regardless of payment source. Most insurance plans cover ostomy management for ostomy patients, and the Ostomy Management Program accepts most insurance plans.
Call to find out more or to arrange a convenient appointment: (908) 237-5427.
Ostomy Considerations
Location of stoma
Equipment options
Lifestyle considerations
Factors influencing your chance of developing complications
Your family's need for support
Definitions
According to the United Ostomy Association (www.uoa.org), the terms ostomy and stoma are general descriptive terms that are often used interchangeably though they have different meanings.
An ostomy refers to the surgically created opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes. A stoma is the actual end of the ureter or small or large bowel that can be seen protruding through the abdominal wall. Here are definitions for the three most common types of ostomies:
A colostomy is the surgical procedure in which an opening in the colon is attached to the abdominal wall for stool to pass outside the body.
Colostomies may be temporary or permanent. Conditions which may indicate the need for a colostomy include cancer, diverticulitis, an imperforate anus, Hirschprung's disease, or trauma.
An ileostomy is an artificial opening that is created in the bowel for stool to pass through. The ileum is the lower part of the small bowel, which connects to the large bowel. Treatment for some bowel diseases requires removal of part or all of the bowel. If this is done, a new way for stool to leave the body must be created. In most cases, the artificial opening in the ileum is connected to the abdominal wall. The stool can then drain through an opening in the skin.
An ileostomy also may be temporary or permanent. Reasons for having an ileostomy include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and familiar polyposis.
A urostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall through which urine passes. A urostomy may be performed either when the bladder is not functioning properly, or it has been removed.
Reasons you may need a urostomy include bladder cancer, spinal cord injury, malfunction of the bladder, or a birth defect such as spina bifida.
Follow-up
The Ostomy Management program recommends this schedule of follow-up visits after your surgery:
2 weeks after discharge from hospital
6 weeks post-operative
3 months post-operative
6 months post-operative
12 months post-operative
annually as recommended by your physician/surgeon
Supplies
There are many outlets for ostomy supplies. Hunterdon Medical Center uses Hollister products. If you are an established ostomy patient, however, we will work with your current supplier to accommodate your needs.
Here is a sample of the many ostomy supply companies and their Web sites. Each provides complete listings of their product lines, and many also provide information helpful to ostomy patients. Hunterdon Medical Center does not endorse any one supplier in favor of another. We have no relationship or ownership interest in any of these or any other ostomy supply manufacturer or supplier. As with any consumer product, you will want to shop around to find out what's best for you. And always remember to follow your doctor's advice to ensure your healthier future.
Ostomy manufacturers include
The Coloplast Group
www.coloplast.com
Nu Hope Laboratories, Inc.
www.nu-hope.com
Hollister Inc.
www.hollister.com
ConvaTec
www.convatec.com
1-800-422-8881
You can also find ostomy supplies at medical supply stores, such as Bach's Home Care in Flemington (1-800-272-7043), or through mail order medical suppliers such as
Osmore(Formerly Fittleworth Medical Limited)
1-800-686-1377
www.fittleworth.com
Edgepark Surgical, Inc.
1-800-321-0591
www.edgepark.com
Byram Healthcare
1-877-902-9726
www.byramhealthcare.com
CCS Medical Ostomy Supply of USA
1-800-577-8345
www.ccsmed.com