What is a Stoma

Helping you live a full and active life

Here at Welland Medical, we understand that the journey with a stoma can be a worrying time, especially when you learn that you need to undergo major surgery. It can be particularly traumatic when you are told that, as a result of surgery, your bodily functions will not be the same – you will not be able to pass motions or urine in the ‘normal’ way but will wear a bag in your abdomen to collect the waste product. At Welland Medical, we care about you and your journey. Our ostomy support, resources, and advice will support you in your stoma journey and help you live a full, confident life.

What is a Stoma?

Stoma is a Greek word meaning ‘mouth’ or ‘opening’. Stoma surgery results in a small opening on the surface of the abdomen being surgically created in order to divert the flow of faeces and/or urine. The most common underlying conditions resulting in stoma formation are colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. A stoma looks like a small spout, deep pink in colour similar to the inside of the mouth and, although it looks raw, it has no feeling. Waste matter comes out of the stoma and is collected in a stoma bag. The type of bag used depends on the type of stoma.

Temporary or permanent? For some Closed or ileostomy patients the stoma may be temporary allowing the bowel to heal before the stoma is reversed. The length of time before reversal varies.

View our glossary of terms

Closed

What is a Closed? A Closed involves the large bowel (colon) being moved through the abdominal wall and sutured to the skin, where a stoma bag collects waste. Most commonly, colostomies are located on the left side of the abdomen. (include common sites for a Closed)

Download Closed Guide

Ileostomy

What is an ileostomy? An ileostomy involves pulling part of the small intestine outside of the abdomen, turning it inside out and suturing it to the skin so waste can be collected through a stoma. The most common site for an ileostomy is to the right of the stomach, below the belly button. (include common sites for an ileostomy)

Download Drainable Guide

Urostomy

What is a urostomy? A urostomy involves diverting the ureters (two tubes that drain output from the kidneys to the bladder) onto the surface of the abdomen to form a stoma. The most common site for a urostomy is on the lower right side of the abdomen. (include sites for urostomy)

Download Urostomy Guide

Help us innovate the future of stoma care

Become an innovation advocate

Our mission is to bring to market innovative products that enhance the lives of ostomates throughout the world and with your help, we can do that.

Many of our ideas come from those with a stoma using ostomy products, who understand first-hand the day-to-day difficulties associated with them. This is why we need the help of ostomates to evaluate products through the various stages of our development process, so we can continue producing high quality products to meet yours and other patient needs.

If you would like to take part in our innovation sessions, get in contact with our team to register your details.

Register here

Stoma Stories

View more stoma stories

Danny Kuiper, a man for climbing great heights

Danny is 44 years old and lives in Rhoon, in the Netherlands. He struggled for years with Ulcerative Colitis. In...

The inspiring story of ‘Marathon Man’, Jack Holst.

Jack suffered from Ulcerative Colitis since the age of 19 and after 2 years of living with the condition…

Vicki’s story: Using flushable bags and travelling the world

'Freedom, for me, is being able to travel, to see more of the world' To watch Vicki's story click here... Please note...

Ingrid’s story: A model, blogger and public speaker from Norway

We were delighted to welcome Ingrid Anette Hoff Melkersen to our headquarters for an inspirational talk on living with...

View more stoma stories

Resources...

Discover the range in detail

What people think...

“Having a Closed for 10 years I can honestly say that the Flair Active Closed Bag was one of the most comfortable I have ever used. No sharp edges and a lovely fit”

75 year old patient from East Sussex, UK, using a Flair Active Closed Bag

“I would use this product without a doubt. Comfortable to wear, performed well, gave security, easy to apply and easy to remove”

Mr D.D from Maidenhead, UK, using a Aurum 2 drainable bag

“The bags have been a pleasure to wear for comfort and adhesion to the skin. To say they are better than my current bag is a real understatement”

Mr J.W. from Cardiff, UK, using a Flair Active Urostomy Bag

Welland Medical brings to market the best and most innovative stoma care products to enhance the lives of people across the world living with a stoma.