Ostomate
Helping you live a full and active life
It is a worrying time when you learn that you need to undergo major surgery. It can be particularly traumatic when you learn that as a result of surgery your bodily functions will not be the same and will not be able to pass motions/urine in the normal way but will wear a ‘bag’ on your abdomen. Here at Welland Medical we work closely with healthcare professionals, patients and care organisations to develop innovative products that enhance the lives of ostomates throughout the world.
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 colostomy 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.
Colostomy
Common sites for a colostomy.
Ileostomy
Usual site for a ileostomy.
Urostomy
Usual site for a urostomy.
Know Your Ostomy
Download our comprehensive ostomy guides which explain what a stoma is, about the operative procedure and tips on how to maintain a normal lifestyle following surgery.
Help us Innovate the Future of Stoma Care
Become a Welland Medical Evaluator
At Welland Medical we are passionate about Research and Development and continuously strive to advance our products. 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 live in the UK and would like to become one of our panel of evaluators, please either email or call us for more details.
- Email: evaluators@wellandmedical.com
- Tel: 01293 228368
Please be assured that your details are kept in the strictest confidence and under conditions in line with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Ostomate Stories
Colostomy
Flair Active®
A 75 year old patient from East Sussex underwent a surgical procedure for Diverticulitis disease. A colostomy was formed in 1998. She experienced problems such as a dip on one side of the stoma, a hernia and growth under her stoma. She was still experiencing pancaking with her current product. She then decided to evaluate the Flair Active® colostomy bag, she found this bag very comfortable against the skin. She also expressed that she had less pancaking than usual and no leakage. She has rated it excellent in comparison to her usual bag; the bag suited the patient’s needs exactly.
Ileostomy
Aurum®
A five year old male in Greece underwent surgery for Megacolon. A large part of his colon was removed and a temporary ileostomy created. Unfortunately, the pouch he was wearing (not Welland Medical) only stayed on his skin for a few hours at a time and this eventually resulted in an extended and painful dermatitis around his stoma. An Aurum ileostomy bag was recommended due to its skin friendly Hyperflex® Hydrocolloid with medical grade Manuka Honey. After month two the dermatitis had improved considerably and the wear time of the pouch increased to almost one a day.
Urostomy
Curvex®
A 72 year old female who had bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and formation of an ileal conduit (Urostomy). She was discharged from hospital wearing a regular flat backed Urostomy pouch. Eight weeks after her surgery she started to have leaks around the pouch. She spent hours trying to correct the application, ensuring her pouch was correctly stuck. She developed a small dip around her stoma; her skin was excoriated due to increased pouch changes and urine on the skin. She gained confidence by wearing the Curvex® urostomy bag and using Welland Barrier Cream and Hyperseal® Washers.
Having a colostomy for 10 years I can honestly say that the Flair Active colostomy 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 Colostomy 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 Ileostomy Bag
The pouches have been a pleasure to wear for comfort and adhesion to the skin. To say they are better than my current pouch is a real understatement
