What
is an Ostomy?
An
ostomy is a surgically created opening on the abdomen
for the discharge of body wastes (due to diseases, trauma
or birth defects of the intestines or urinary tract).
This new ostomy opening is called a stoma, which is a
bypass route for excretion. There are three ostomy types-
a colostomy (opening in the large bowel), an ileostomy
(opening in the small bowel) and a urostomy (a bypass
of the urinary tract). Ostomies may be permanent or temporary.
People
with an ostomy wear an appliance or pouch over their stoma
to collect body wastes (stool or urine).
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What
is an ET Nurse?
An
Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurse, or Wound Ostomy Continence
(WOCN) Nurse specializes in the care of people with ostomies,
wounds, or with continence problems (control of the bladder
or bowel).
Pre-operatively,
the ET nurse explains the surgical procedure, the impact
an ostomy has on a person’s life, and explains the basics
of ostomy management, sexual counseling and stoma site
selection.
Postoperatively,
the ET nurse instructs the patient and family in ostomy
care, diet, travel, intimacy, and any other information,
which will help the person to incorporate the ostomy into
the person’s life.
For
long term care, ET nurses provide follow up care for as
long as the person has an ostomy. This care includes,
ongoing counseling, education, updating appliances, and
skin problem awareness.
Your
stoma is as individual as you are. The ET nurses at the
Ostomy Care and Supply Centre will help you to sort through
the information you get from the internet, friends, family
and other ostomates to ensure you are provided with accurate
information specific for you and your needs.
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When
to see an ET nurse?
We
provide follow up care for as long as you have your ostomy.
We
recommend you see us:
