Ever had a question but been hesitant to ask someone directly? Have you heard of an ostomy word but been unsure of its meaning?

Large intestines The part of the digestive tract that is the colon, rectum and anus. It is much wider than the small intestine and is 1.5 metres long.

Leakage When stool or urine makes its way under the baseplate of your pouch. It can cause the pouch to fall off and can cause significant skin damage.

Maceration A change to the skin around the stoma when it has been exposed to too much moisture from urine or stool. It occurs mostly when there is leakage and the skin often looks white and moist.

Parastomal hernia When a stoma is formed, a hole is made through the abdomen muscles to bring the stoma to the surface of the skin. This hole creates a weak point and sometimes bowel that normally sits behind the muscle moves through and sits between the muscle and the skin, causing a bulge around or next to the stoma called parastomal hernia.

Pancaking When stool that is semi-solid or solid sits on top of the stoma and does not move down into the pouch. It can cause leakage and pouch failure.

Lubricant A clear liquid or gel that is usually added into the closed pouch before you wear it to help the stool slip into the bottom of the pouch. Lubricants can also control some odours.