Living with an ostomy can raise practical questions at every stage—from preparing for surgery to finding a pouching routine that works in daily life. The Onnohere Ostomy Guide brings together clear, supportive information to help you feel more prepared when speaking with your surgeon or stoma care nurse.
Start with the essentials
An ostomy is a surgically created opening that allows stool or urine to leave the body. The three common types are colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Each has different output patterns and care needs, so guidance should always be matched to your individual surgery.
Explore our care topics
- New to ostomy care: what to expect after surgery, learning pouch changes and building confidence at home.
- Pouch selection and fit: one-piece and two-piece systems, drainable and closed pouches, measuring the stoma and recognizing fit problems.
- Skin protection: gentle cleaning, keeping the skin dry, preventing output from contacting the skin and knowing when irritation needs professional review.
- Food and hydration: gradual food reintroduction, tracking personal triggers and recognizing possible dehydration.
- Daily life: work, clothing, exercise, swimming, travel, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
- Troubleshooting: leakage, ballooning, odor, changing output and common stoma changes.
A simple pouch-change routine
- Prepare the new pouch, disposal bag and any products recommended by your stoma care nurse.
- Remove the used pouch slowly and gently.
- Clean the stoma and surrounding skin according to your clinical care plan.
- Dry the skin thoroughly and check for redness, soreness or a change in stoma size.
- Apply the new pouch with a close, comfortable fit and hold it in place briefly to support adhesion.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Seek prompt medical advice for severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, heavy bleeding, a significant change or stop in output, a dark or unusually pale stoma, rapidly increasing swelling, or signs of dehydration. Repeated leakage and persistent skin damage should also be reviewed by a stoma care nurse.
Choosing supplies
The best product is the one that safely fits your stoma, skin, output and routine. Avoid adding accessories without a clear purpose. If a pouch repeatedly leaks or feels uncomfortable, ask a qualified stoma care professional to review the fit before making multiple changes at once.
This guide provides general education only. It does not replace diagnosis, treatment or personalized instructions from your surgeon, stoma care nurse, dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional.