Ostomy Care: How to Honor National Ostomy Awareness Day

• An ostomy is a surgically created opening that reroutes stool or urine from the abdomen to the outside of the body. 
• National Ostomy Awareness Day is on Oct. 5, 2024. 
• Open and honest communication about the procedure can help reduce stigmas. 

Ostomies prolong life. It reminds me of the saying, “When life closes a door, open a window.” Except, when circumstances of life close the intestinal tract, an ostomy becomes a window!  

My father-in-law is living and thriving with an ostomy following a Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis roughly 20 years ago. When the diseased portion of his colon was removed during surgery, the ostomy created a new pathway when normal function of his intestinal tract was no longer possible. My children have their Opa, and my husband has his father, in part, due to this procedure.  

He is a very active person — he swims, walks several miles throughout the day, gardens, travels, and is present at every sporting event for his grandchildren. He sees the ostomy as a part of him now — an extension of his body — and is grateful that colon cancer didn’t steal his life.  

This year, Ostomy Awareness Day falls on Saturday, Oct. 5. We can celebrate this day and give those living with ostomies the recognition they deserve!  

I hope to raise awareness of the life-saving procedure and shine a positive light on living with an ostomy. Raising awareness of the positive aspects of ostomy procedures is important because a negative stigma is attached to fecal and urinary diversions.  

Sadly, there are common misunderstandings about ostomies, such as the appearance and odor are unpleasant.  

What is an Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgically created opening that reroutes stool or urine from the abdomen to the outside of the body through an opening called a stoma. The stoma is the part of the bowel that’s sutured into the abdomen, while the visible part is the mucous membrane or intestine lining. The stoma empties waste into an external pouch. 

 The most common reason for ostomy surgery is cancer, but it may also be necessary with disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, obstruction, infection, or birth defects, among other medical conditions. Roughly 1 million people live with an ostomy or continent diversion in the U.S., and approximately 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed annually in the states, according to a “Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing” study published in 2022. 

Types of Ostomies

There are three most-common types of ostomies: ileostomy, colostomy, and urostomy. 

• Ileostomy: A stoma is attached at the end of the small intestine (ileum) to bypass the colon, rectum, and anus. 
• Colostomy: A stoma is attached to a portion of the colon to bypass the rectum and anus. 
• Urostomy: A stoma is attached to the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder) to bypass the bladder. 

How to Raise Awareness

Several ostomy-focused events take place throughout October that you can participate in. For example, the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) celebrates World Ostomy Day with many activities. 

Ways to celebrate ostomies and raise awareness:

• Participate in a 5K. The UOAA has organized a nationwide “Run for Resilience Ostomy 5K” on Oct. 5 at various locations around the country. 
• Wear blue and green in October to show your support for ostomy awareness. 
• Create or participate in fundraising campaigns for the ostomy or disease-specific organization that is close to your heart. 
• Start conversations online or in-person about the positive aspects of bowel or urinary ostomies, using powerful words like hope, strength, resilience, and beauty. 

Ostomy Care: Goals for Positivity

1. Open and Honest Communication: Although ostomy placement is lifesaving, it’s still a difficult adjustment and has negative aspects for those living with them. Awareness brings conversation. Conversations open the communication flow, allowing individuals with ostomies to voice their experiences, difficulties, and perspectives without having to “hide” it. 
2. Shared Bonds and Connections: Celebrating the truth that ostomies extend life brings people together for a common good. Support groups and shared-interest group activities (yoga, jogging, cooking, travel) are available, but many people with ostomies may not realize this. Human connection is essential for living to the fullest.
3. Positive Body Image and Self-Esteem: Bringing awareness and positivity to ostomy placement is critical for body image and enhanced self-esteem for those with ostomies. 

Ostomy Care Implications for Nurses

Nurses can provide ostomy care within inpatient units, outpatient gastroenterology offices, surgical services, emergency departments, long-term care facilities, and more. It’s meaningful for all nurses to be knowledgeable on the anatomy of normal gastrointestinal and urinary systems and function, various types of ostomies, site selection prior to surgery, stoma care, possible complications, and patient education strategies. 

A Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) who holds a baccalaureate degree or higher and completes a formal, accredited specialty education program. WOC nurses provide direct care and patient education to individuals with abdominal stomas, wounds, fistulas, drains, pressure injuries, and/or continence disorders. 

The Bottom Line

The resilience and strength of those living with ostomies should be celebrated. There is a terrific opportunity to do this in October. Ostomy Awareness Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, and there are many ways to become involved and show support.  

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