Welcome to The National University Hospital : Stoma

Stoma is the Greek word for "mouth" or "opening". It is surgically created from the bowel (intestine) through the skin onto the abdomen to help in the removal of body wastes such as faeces or urine.

The digestive system plays an important role in digestion, absorption, storage and removal of body wastes. Thus, to help you to understand how stoma functions, it is important to know how the digestive system works.

Digestive System

How does your digestive system work?

From your mouth, food travels down to the stomach to be broken down into smaller pieces by the gastric juices. With the movement from the stomach, food will be pushed into the small intestine to be further digested and absorbed. When it enters the large intestine, water and salt will be absorbed and the remaining undigested and unabsorbed food will pass out from the anus as waste matter.

Sometimes a portion of the intestine becomes diseased and it cannot function as normal. Surgery is required to remove the diseased portion, thus a stoma may be created to allow the digestive system to perform its function.

The common conditions that may need a stoma are:

	Low rectal cancer.
	Ulcerative colitis.
	Crohn's disease.
	Diverticular disease.
	Bladder cancer.

However, not all the above conditions would require a stoma. Your doctors will advise you according to your condition.

	What Is A Stoma?
	Different Types Of Stoma
	Different Types Of Ostomy Products/ Appliances
	Living With A Stoma And Diet Tips
	Tips On Stoma Care
	When Should I Seek Immediate Medical Advice?
	Contact And Support