Listed below you will find a List of terms used which relate to your condition
Barrier opening
The barrier opening is the hole in the skin barrier. It is usually 1mm larger than the diameter of the stoma.
Burping the pouch
In a two-piece ostomy pouching system, this term is used to describe the intentional partial separation of the flanges to allow gas to escape.
Closed Pouch
A pouch that is not drainable from the bottom.
Colon
The large intestine.
Colon Conduit
This is a specific type of urinary diversion. A segment of colon (large intestine) is used as a pipeline (conduit) to divert urine.
Colostomy
Surgically created opening into the large intestine or colon.
Cut-to-fit barrier
A cut-to-fit barrier needs to be cut before it is applied to the body. There is a small starter hole in the centre of the skin barrier where scissors can be placed to make cutting easier. A cut-to-fit barrier is ideal if the stoma is still changing size or if the shape of the stoma is not round.
Discharge
Refers to the output from a stoma.
Drainable pouch
A pouch that opens from the bottom to empty the contents.
Erythema
Redness of the skin.
Filter
Charcoal vent in an ostomy pouch that allows gas to escape and be deodorised.
Flange
The flange is a plastic ring that is on a two-piece pouch system. The flange on the pouch and the flange on the skin barrier must match to create a secure pouching system.
Ileostomy
A surgically created opening through the abdomen that leads into the small intestine.
Ileum
The last section of the small intestine before it connects to the colon.
Incision line
Location where an incision (cut made in the skin) was made during an operation. In ostomy surgery, it may be on the abdomen, around the base of the stoma or in the perineum.
Irritation
Inflammation or soreness. In ostomy care, it usually refers to the skin. Skin irritation may present as reddened, open and/or moist skin.
Mucus
A viscous suspension that is normally secreted by the body. Mucus in the bowel helps with lubrication.
Night drainage bag
A large collection bag for urine. A person with a urostomy is able to connect their pouch to a night drainage bag.
One-piece pouch
A one-piece system includes a skin barrier and pouch that are already attached.
Opaque
Pouch film that is coloured can be either white or beige. Is used to conceal the contents of the pouch.
Ostomy
A surgically created opening into the gastrointestinal (bowel) or urinary system.
Pancaking
This is when the output collects around the stoma and can squeeze between the flange and the skin instead of going into your bag.
Peristomal skin
The skin immediately around the stoma.
Pouch
The bag that collects the discharge from the stoma (can be drainable or disposable).
Pre-cut
The barrier opening on these products has already been cut for added convenience. The sizes are listed and should be selected based upon your stoma size. Ideal if the stoma has a round shape.
Radiation therapy
The use of therapeutic radiation. Normally used in the treatment of cancer.
Skin barrier
A film placed on the skin for the purpose of protecting the skin (normally a spray).
Stoma
A surgically created opening into the bowel or urinary system. A stoma is red, moist and although it looks painful is not at all.
Stoma measuring guide
A card used to measure the stoma at the base. This information is useful in selecting the right size pouch or skin barrier.
Stool
Waste material from the bowel.
Transparent pouch
The pouch on this product is transparent to allow you to see the contents and stoma. (Your consultant may ask you to wear a transparent pouch for hospital visits).
Two-piece pouch
A two-piece system includes a skin barrier with flange and a pouch with flange.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
An infection that involves the kidneys or bladder. Some warning signs of a urinary tract infection include dark cloudy urine, strong smelling urine, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Urostomy
A surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows urine to flow from the body.
Urostomy pouch
This type of pouch has a drain tap or spout; it is designed to drain liquid contents from a pouch.