Stoma Follow Ups

What is a surgical stoma?

A surgical stoma is a surgically created opening on a patient’s abdomen created for one of two reasons:

• Input stomas - this is when an opening is created in order to assist those who are unable to eat by mouth.
• Output stomas - this is when an opening is created surgically onto the abdomen to enable waste to be discharged. This is necessary when disease or trauma has compromised the body's natural elimination process.

There are three main types of output stoma, they are:

• Colostomy - coming from the colon (large bowel)
• Ileostomy - coming from the ileum (small bowel)
• Urostomy - coming from the kidneys and draining urine.

Once a stoma has been created it requires regular monitoring during the first three months and then regular annual checks to ensure it is functioning well and the patient is managing its care.  The clinic at Syston Health Centre is managed by the University Hospitals of Leicester and ran by a company called SecuriCare.

If you would like any further information please contact the Community Stoma Team through Dawn Harrod or Wendy Smith.  They are based at the University Hospitals of Leicester, telephone 0116 258 4455.