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
-
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
-
Complications
Ballooning: Managing Gas in Your Pouch
Learn what causes ballooning in ostomy pouches, how to prevent uncomfortable gas build-up, and when to seek clinical advice.
July 14, 2026
-
Complications
Pancaking: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It
Pancaking in ostomy pouches causes leaks and skin damage. Learn what causes it, who is at risk, and how to prevent it effectively.
July 13, 2026
Browse
Explore by section
-
Ostomy basics
What an ostomy is, the different types, and what to expect from surgery and recovery.
-
Living with an ostomy
Daily life, work, relationships, intimacy, confidence.
-
Diet & nutrition
Foods, hydration, blockage prevention, fluid balance.
-
Skin & stoma care
Preventing irritation, treating leaks, choosing the right barrier.
-
Ostomy care & products
Pouching systems, belts, accessories — explained without brand bias.
-
Complications
Warning signs and when to seek medical help.
-
Emotional support
Mental health, body image, peer-support communities.
-
Travel & exercise
Sport, swimming, flying, holidays — practical guidance.
Most recent
Latest articles
- Complications July 14, 2026
Ballooning: Managing Gas in Your Pouch
Learn what causes ballooning in ostomy pouches, how to prevent uncomfortable gas build-up, and when to seek clinical advice.
- Complications July 13, 2026
Pancaking: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It
Pancaking in ostomy pouches causes leaks and skin damage. Learn what causes it, who is at risk, and how to prevent it effectively.
- Complications July 11, 2026
Stoma Bleeding: When to Worry
Learn which types of stoma bleeding are harmless and which need urgent medical attention. Expert, brand-free guidance for colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.
- Complications July 10, 2026
Bowel Obstruction With an Ostomy
Learn how to recognise, manage and prevent bowel obstruction with a colostomy or ileostomy, including when to seek emergency care.
- Complications July 9, 2026
Stoma Stenosis (Narrowing): Causes and Treatment
Learn about stoma stenosis — why a stoma narrows, how it is diagnosed, and the clinical options for treatment and prevention.
- Complications July 8, 2026
Stoma Retraction: What It Is and How It's Managed
Learn what stoma retraction is, why it happens, how it affects pouching, and the clinical options available for management and correction.
- Complications July 7, 2026
Stoma Prolapse: Causes and Management
A clinical guide to stoma prolapse: what causes it, how to recognise it, and how it is managed conservatively or surgically.
- Complications July 6, 2026
High-Output Stoma: Causes, Risks and Management
Learn what causes a high-output stoma, the risks of dehydration and malnutrition, and how it is managed clinically.
- Basics July 4, 2026
Bladder Cancer and Urostomy
How bladder cancer leads to urostomy, types of urinary diversion, surgery, recovery, and living well with a urostomy explained clearly.
- Basics July 3, 2026
Diverticulitis and Ostomy Surgery
Learn when diverticulitis leads to ostomy surgery, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery and reversal.
Join the wiki
A reference is only as good as the people who write it.
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.