Ostomy Health Professionals
An ostomy refers to the surgically created opening in the body for the discharge of body wastes. The most common types of ostomies are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Every year, thousands of people of all ages have ostomy surgery in the United States.
Having an ostomy can be a challenging but whether you are about to undergo surgery to have an ostomy, have already had an ostomy or are taking care of someone who has one, we are here to help. This website contains information for patients and healthcare professionals that has been chosen from reliable sources to get you started.
This site was developed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, pharmacists, dietitians, nurse practitioners, nurses and other healthcare professionals working collaboratively to improve care for patients with stomas.
If you have feedback on the website you would like to share, please email us at [email protected].
IMPORTANT
Information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice specific to any individual patient. Please consult with your physician or other members of your healthcare team for medical advice specific to your case.
Resources
This ostomy education website is focussed on providing providers with curated information on different aspects of ostomy creation and care. It is not meant to be advice on individual patients.
This work is the result of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, pharmacists, dietitians, nurse practitioners, nurses and other healthcare professionals working collaboratively to improve care for patients with stomas.
Please feel free to contact us if you have additional suggestions for improving the information on the website.
Guidance on Ostomy Marking
- WOCN Society and ASCRS Position Statement on Preoperative Stoma Site Marking for Patients Undergoing Colostomy or Ileostomy Surgery
- ASCRS Stoma Siting Standard Procedure
Troubleshooting Ostomy Problems
- Colorectal Ostomy Basics
- Troubleshooting Ostomy Leaks
- Common Stoma Problems (skin irritation, prolapse, retractions etc)
Other Resources
Workflow for Preop Clinic Ostomy Education
- AA Instructions for Patients Scheduled for an Ostomy
- Patient instructions to setup ostomy teaching at time of booking surgery
- SPANISH Patient instructions to setup ostomy teaching at time of booking surgery
- Patient invitation and instructions on video Zoom visit
- AA instructions on Scheduling a Zoom Stoma Marking Visit with Clinic Ostomy Nurse
- Eck Hollister secure start form
- Preop Ostomy Education Curriculum
- Patient AVS document after time of visit with Rachel

Medication Management of High ileostomy Output
Medication management of High ileostomy Output
Postop Inpatient Ostomy Education Resources
- Living with a Colostomy Handout for Patients
- Living with an Ileostomy Handout for Patients
- Monitoring Hydration with an Ostomy
- Nursing Education Curriculum for Postop Patients with New Ostomies
- Nutrition & Ileostomy