| 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. |
Constipation with a Colostomy: What Should I know?
Many people are surprised to learn that it is still possible to experience constipation after having a colostomy. Although your bowel now empties through a stoma, the large bowel continues to function much the same way as it did before surgery. If stool moves more slowly through the bowel, it can become harder, drier and […]
