What is the difference between a colostomy, ileostomy and a urostomy?

	Colostomy	Ileostomy	Urostomy
Position	A colostomy is usually but not always on the left side of the abdomen and is made from the large bowel.	An ileostomy is usually but not always on the right side of the abdomen and is made from the small bowel.	A urostomy is usually on the right side of the abdomen and is made from a section of the small bowel which has been detached from the gut. The tubes (ureters) from the kidneys are planted into this freed section of bowel and a stoma formed.
Output consistency	Solid to semi solid output	Loose liquid to soft output	Liquid clear urine
Pouch types	One piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are all in one or two piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are separate pieces.	One piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are all in one or two piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are separate pieces.	One piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are all in one or two piece where the adhesive area and the pouch are separate pieces.
Pouch choices	Suitable for either a pouch that can be drained from an outlet at the bottom or a closed pouch which is changed once full.	Due to liquid frequent output suitable only for a drainable pouch which can be drained from an outlet at the bottom of the pouch.	A special urostomy pouch drained from either a bung or a tap at the bottom. Can be attached to an overflow collector for drainage at night.
Frequency of pouch changes (pouch changing frequency is a guide only, your specialist will adapt for individual needs and circumstances)	One piece closed pouches can be worn for 12-24 hours. One piece drainable pouches can be worn for up to three days. Two piece adhesive bases can be worn for 3-4 days or longer if preferred. Two piece closed pouch closed pouches can be changed every 12-24 hours. Two piece drainable pouch drainable pouches can be changed up to every three days.	One piece drainable pouches can be worn for up to three days. Two piece adhesive bases can be worn for 3-4 days or longer if preferred.	One piece drainable pouches can be worn for 2-3 days. Two piece adhesive bases can be worn for up to 2-3 days.
Emptying frequency	Closed pouch requires removal and replacement when full. Drainable pouches are likely to require emptying daily.	Ileostomy drainable pouches are likely to require emptying 4-6 times daily when the pouch is 1/3 to 1/2 full.	Urostomy pouches are likely to need emptying 6-7 times daily with an overflow collector in use at night.