What Is a Stoma? Complete Guide for Ostomates (2026)

If you or someone you love has been told they need a stoma, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by questions. What exactly is a stoma? What will life be like afterwards? In this comprehensive guide, we answer everything — from the medical basics to everyday living — drawing on the latest guidance from the NHS, stoma care specialist nurses, and leading ostomy experts across the UK and internationally.

What Is a Stoma? Medical Definition

A stoma (from the Greek word meaning "mouth" or "opening") is a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall that allows either waste products or urine to exit the body into an external collection pouch, known as a stoma bag or stoma pouch. The word "stoma" refers to the opening itself and the surgical operation that creates it.

According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 500 people in the UK live with a stoma — equating to roughly 135,000 people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Globally, the figures are even more significant, with several hundred thousand people managing their stomas successfully in Europe and beyond.

A stoma is not a disease or a condition in itself — it is a surgical solution that allows people with serious bowel, bladder, or other conditions to live full, active lives. For many, a stoma represents a second chance at better health and wellbeing.

Types of Stoma: Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy

There are three main types of stoma, each involving a different part of the digestive or urinary system. Understanding the differences will help you manage your stoma more effectively:

Colostomy

A colostomy is formed from part of the large intestine (colon). It is the most common type of stoma in the UK, accounting for approximately 42% of all ostomy surgeries performed by NHS trusts. In a colostomy, a section of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall to form the stoma. The output from a colostomy tends to be more solid, similar to normal stool, depending on where in the colon the stoma is formed. Colostomies are most often created as a result of colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or bowel trauma.

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is formed from the small intestine (ileum) — the final section before the large intestine. The output is typically more liquid, as it bypasses the large intestine where most water absorption occurs. Ileostomies are most commonly associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). These conditions are well-recognised by the NHS and have dedicated pathways of care.

Urostomy

A urostomy (also called a urinary diversion or ileal conduit) diverts urine away from the bladder through a piece of the small intestine. It is typically created following bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) due to bladder cancer or severe bladder damage. Unlike colostomies and ileostomies, a urostomy continuously produces output, meaning the pouch must be emptied regularly throughout the day.

Why Would Someone Need a Stoma?

Stoma surgery is not elective — it is typically performed when other treatments are no longer viable. The most common medical reasons include:

• Colorectal cancer — the leading cause, accounting for approximately 42% of ostomy surgeries in the UK
• Crohn's disease — an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the digestive tract (approx. 19%)
• Diverticulitis — infected or inflamed pouches in the colon (approx. 13%)
• Ulcerative colitis — a chronic IBD affecting the colon and rectum (approx. 11%)
• Bladder cancer — most commonly requiring a urostomy following cystectomy (approx. 8%)
• Bowel obstruction, trauma, or perforation
• Congenital conditions such as Hirschsprung's disease in children
• Faecal incontinence — when all other treatments have failed

In some cases, a stoma may be temporary — created to allow another part of the bowel to heal after surgery, before being reversed in a follow-up operation. In other cases, a stoma is permanent.

What Does a Stoma Look Like?

Understanding what a stoma looks like helps many people feel more prepared before surgery. Here is what to expect:

One important thing to understand: a stoma cannot be controlled voluntarily. There is no sphincter muscle, so waste passes into the stoma pouch continuously or periodically, depending on the type of stoma. This is why choosing the right stoma pouch and well-fitting accessories is so important to quality of life.

The skin around the stoma — called peristomal skin — requires careful attention. A well-fitted appliance that sits flat against the skin is essential to prevent leaks and skin irritation. Your stoma care nurse can advise you on the best products for your needs.

Living with a Stoma: What to Expect

The transition to life with a stoma can feel overwhelming at first, but the vast majority of ostomates report that they adapt well and go on to live full, active lives. Research consistently shows that over 90% of ostomates report their quality of life has returned to normal or improved within one year of surgery.

Diet and Nutrition

In the early weeks after surgery, a low-fibre diet is typically recommended to allow the bowel to recover. Over time, most people can return to a relatively normal diet, though certain foods may cause gas, odour, or changes in output consistency. Common considerations include:

• Staying well-hydrated, especially with an ileostomy, to prevent dehydration
• Introducing foods gradually and noting which ones affect output
• Limiting carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods initially
• Chewing food thoroughly to aid digestion

Physical Activity

Most people with a stoma can return to regular physical activity, including swimming, cycling, and gym exercise. However, high-impact activities that create abdominal pressure increase the risk of parastomal hernia — a common complication where abdominal tissue pushes through the weak point around the stoma. Wearing a supportive stoma belt during exercise is strongly recommended by clinicians across the UK.

Bathing and Swimming

You can bathe or shower with your stoma pouch in place or removed (depending on your stoma type). Most ostomates can swim without issue — a well-sealed, waterproof appliance combined with specialist stoma swimwear provides confidence in the water. Many public swimming pools in the UK are welcoming to ostomates, and your stoma care nurse can advise on local facilities.

Travel

Travelling with a stoma is entirely possible with some planning. Always carry more supplies than you think you'll need (typically double), keep supplies in your hand luggage, and carry a medical letter from your GP or consultant if travelling internationally. The NHS can provide documentation to support your travel.

Essential Products for Stoma Management

The right stoma products make an enormous difference to comfort, confidence, and daily quality of life. Core products include:

• Stoma pouching system — the bag that collects waste. Available in one-piece and two-piece systems from brands including Coloplast, Hollister, and Convatec. Many are available on NHS prescription.
• Stoma belt or hernia support belt — provides abdominal support and reduces hernia risk. Essential for active individuals. Browse SIIL stoma belts.
• Stoma clothing — specialist underwear and clothing designed to hold the pouch securely, reduce pouch movement, and provide a smooth, discreet silhouette under clothing. View SIIL stoma clothing.
• Skin barrier products — barrier wipes, rings, and pastes to protect the peristomal skin. Available on NHS prescription.
• Pouch deodorant drops — added inside the pouch to neutralise odour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stomas

Sources: NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, NHS Northern Ireland, Coloplast Quality of Life Survey 2022, British Journal of Nursing — Stoma Care Supplement 2023, UK Stoma Care Guidelines.