Ostomy care and rehabilitation

About this approach

Ostomy care helps people prepare for and live with a surgically created opening that passes stool or urine into a pouch. Cancer-related ostomies may be temporary or permanent. Specialized nurses support pouch fitting, skin care, diet and hydration, travel, work, intimacy, and complication prevention.

Where it fits: Education and support for colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy

Where this treatment is used

Preoperative marking and follow-up with a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse can improve practical adjustment. Needs differ for colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy and can change after weight loss, treatment, or surgery. Product choice should be individualized rather than based on advertising alone.

Procedure and practical considerations

Skin injury, leakage, dehydration, blockage, narrowing, hernia, infection, and changes in output may require clinical help. Severe pain, no output with vomiting, heavy bleeding, or signs of dehydration need urgent assessment. Patients should know whom to contact after discharge.

Cancer guides that discuss this treatment

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