Ostomy
UM BWMC is home to an Ostomy Outpatient Clinic that offers a variety of care services to patients with a urinary or fecal diversion. An ostomy is surgically created for the discharge of body wastes.
Ostomies can be temporary or permanent, and they are needed when part or all of the bladder or intestine are removed. Ostomy surgery may be necessary for conditions including birth defects, cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, polyps, ulcerative colitis and trauma.
UM BWMC's Ostomy Clinic offers education and support services aimed at improving the quality of life for patients who have had or are going to have ostomy surgery. The goal is to help prepare patients to adapt to life with their ostomy and return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
Our experienced, certified wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses specialize in ostomy care and help patients in the hospital and in the outpatient setting. They focus on educating the patient and making sure they have the information and resources they need to be successful at home and have a high quality of life.
The Ostomy Outpatient Clinic provides:
- Management of patients with urinary and fecal diversions:
- Tube site skin breakdown and drainage management
- Cutaneous fistula drainage management
If you have concerns about any of the following, our WOC nurses can help:
- Appliance leakage or odor
- Changes that occur with aging
- Clothing adaptation
- Diet and exercise
- Intimacy and pregnancy
- Psychosocial concerns
- Skin irritation
- Your supplies and appliance options
A physician referral is required for patients seeking an appointment, wellness check-up or pre-operative consultation.
To contact the Ostomy Clinic, please call 410-787-4578.