We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Difference between an Ostomy and a Stoma?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,917
Share

Although many believe that an ostomy and a stoma are the same things, they are actually two related but different entities. An ostomy is an opening, often in the abdomen below the belly button, that is put there surgically in the treatment of a medical condition. Sometimes an ostomy may be in the neck, such as in the treatment of throat or neck cancer. A stoma refers to the small portion of intestine that pokes through the ostomy.

An ostomy and a stoma are both often necessary in the treatment of certain conditions of the colon, primarily colorectal cancers. A portion of the large intestine is generally removed or rerouted and the small intestine is redirected to a hole in the lower stomach. The hole is then connected to a tube and a pouch so that digestive materials exit through the ostomy rather than through the rectum. This pouch must be emptied several times per day. The ostomy and stoma may be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition.

The stoma is the portion of small intestine which bulges from the ostomy. It can be directly connected to a tube which acts as an exit for digested food materials. This digested food is usually much more watery than fecal matter would typically be because the large intestine is responsible for absorbing the majority of water found in food. Patients may have to empty their pouches every couple of hours for the first few weeks, and then slightly less often as time passes.

Some medical references refer to an ostomy and a stoma as the same thing, so patients can generally assume that either of these phrases refers to both the opening and the small amount of intestine connected to it. Both are connected and cannot exist without each other, so they are often mistaken for one another. The entire area has to be kept clean to avoid infection. This can be done with frequent cleanings and by choosing tubes and accessories that are well fitted to avoid leakage.

Both an ostomy and a stoma should also be kept clean by emptying the pouch carefully over the toilet and by making sure the tube is attached securely. Patients should ask their doctors which supplies to purchase and how often to empty their stoma pouches. Moisturizers or protective ointments may also be placed around the opening to keep skin from becoming chapped in the case of leaks.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-difference-between-an-ostomy-and-a-stoma.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.