Basics
What is a colostomy?
A clear, evidence-based explanation of what a colostomy is, the different types, why surgeons create one, and what to expect during recovery and daily life.
May 15, 2026
From the editors
A trustworthy reference for life with an ostomy.
OstomyPedia is a plain-language, evidence-based encyclopedia for people living with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy — and the nurses who support them. Every article is medically reviewed by a named, credentialed stoma care professional.
Editors' selection
All articles →-
Basics
What is a urostomy?
An evidence-based guide to what a urostomy is, why it is created, the most common type (ileal conduit), and what daily life looks like after one.
May 15, 2026
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Basics
What is an ileostomy?
An evidence-based guide to what an ileostomy is, why it is created, how it differs from a colostomy, and what to expect during recovery and daily life.
May 15, 2026
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Living With Ostomy
Job Interviews with an Ostomy
Preparing for a job interview with an ostomy? Evidence-based advice on disclosure, preparation, and managing anxiety — so you can focus on the role.
July 29, 2026
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Living With Ostomy
Returning to Work With an Ostomy
Practical, clinically grounded guidance on returning to work after ostomy surgery — timing, rights, disclosure, and managing your stoma at work.
July 29, 2026
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Ostomy basics
What an ostomy is, the different types, and what to expect from surgery and recovery.
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Living with an ostomy
Daily life, work, relationships, intimacy, confidence.
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Diet & nutrition
Foods, hydration, blockage prevention, fluid balance.
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Skin & stoma care
Preventing irritation, treating leaks, choosing the right barrier.
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Ostomy care & products
Pouching systems, belts, accessories — explained without brand bias.
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Complications
Warning signs and when to seek medical help.
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Emotional support
Mental health, body image, peer-support communities.
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Travel & exercise
Sport, swimming, flying, holidays — practical guidance.
Most recent
Latest articles
- Living With Ostomy July 29, 2026
Job Interviews with an Ostomy
Preparing for a job interview with an ostomy? Evidence-based advice on disclosure, preparation, and managing anxiety — so you can focus on the role.
- Living With Ostomy July 29, 2026
Returning to Work With an Ostomy
Practical, clinically grounded guidance on returning to work after ostomy surgery — timing, rights, disclosure, and managing your stoma at work.
- Products Guides July 28, 2026
Ostomy Pouch Covers for Comfort and Discretion
Ostomy pouch covers reduce skin irritation, absorb moisture and improve discretion under clothing. Learn types, materials and how to choose the right cover.
- Products Guides July 28, 2026
Ostomy Support Belts: Types and When They Help
Learn about ostomy support belts, the different types available, and when they can help with hernia prevention, pouch security, and everyday comfort.
- Products Guides July 28, 2026
Support Underwear for Ostomates
Learn how support underwear can improve comfort, security and confidence for ostomates. Expert, brand-neutral guidance on styles, fabrics and fit.
- Diet Nutrition July 24, 2026
Vitamin B12 and Ileostomy
Why ileostomy raises the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, how to recognise symptoms, and how deficiency is monitored and treated.
- Diet Nutrition July 22, 2026
Managing Gas and Odour With an Ostomy
Practical, evidence-based guidance on reducing gas and odour with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy — diet, pouching and lifestyle tips.
- Skin Care July 20, 2026
Allergic Reactions to Ostomy Products
Learn to identify, manage and prevent allergic reactions to ostomy appliances, adhesives and skin barriers. Evidence-based guidance for ostomates.
- Skin Care July 18, 2026
Barrier Rings and Peristomal Skin Protection
A clinical guide to barrier rings: how they work, when to use them, and how they protect peristomal skin in colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy care.
- Skin Care July 18, 2026
Fungal Rash Around the Stoma
Learn how to recognise, treat and prevent a fungal (candidal) rash around a stoma, with evidence-based guidance from stoma care specialists.
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OstomyPedia is reviewed by named, credentialed stoma care nurses and shaped by the lived experience of people with an ostomy. If that's you, we'd love your input.