Glossary S

Sigmoid colon
Connects to the rectum which connects to the anus where waste is passed out of the body.

Sigmoidoscopy
This is a minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. There are two types of sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a flexible endoscope, and rigid sigmoidoscopy, which uses a rigid device. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is today generally the preferred procedure. Sigmoidoscopy is a very effective screening tool. Sigmoidoscopy is similar but not the same as colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

Skin care for ostomates
Good skin care is a crucial part of any stoma care routine, because it will help maintain a healthy skin around your stoma and assist in successful stoma pouch/bag adhesion. If the skin becomes red, sore or broken this may increase the risk of leakages and further damage. Left, unattended, the skin condition may worsen, leading not only to worry and discomfort for you, but difficulty in getting your appliance to stick.

• Only use warm water when cleaning the skin around your stoma and dry gently
  
• Check the size of your stoma every few months to ensure the pouch/bag fits snuggly
  
• Take time and care when removing and changing your pouch/bag

Small intestine
This where most digestion of food products occurs. Enzymes and hormones are produced by cells which process nutrients e.g carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water, within the food which are then absorbed.

Stoma
An 'Ostomy' operation creates the opening and the stoma is a bud-like structure that is formed when your surgeon stitches the opening of your bowel or ureter to the skin on your abdomen.

A stoma can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the type of operation you have and how much of your bowel or urinary tract has been removed. The size and shape of your stoma will also depend on the type of operation you have had. An appliance  often referred to as a pouch or bag can then be place over your stoma to collect output waste (faeces or urine) outside of your body.

You may need to have a stoma if your treatment involves an operation to remove all or part of your bowel or urinary tract. Conditions that need this type of treatment can include:

• inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
certain types of bowel or bladder cancer
• an injury to your bowel a problem with your kidneys, where the urine can't leave your body (this is rare)

Stoma nurse
The stoma care nurse is a specialised nursing professional, who will visit you on your hospital ward to discuss your stoma, stoma care appliances and ongoing care issues. They will also talk to you about the transition from hospital to home which can be a time of great anxiety and uncertainty especially for a patient with a newly formed stoma, and  their family or prime carer. In most cases, following discharge from hospital, the stoma care nurse will visit you at home as a means of maintaining continuity of care. They will also ensure a cohesive approach to your care in the community via GP, district nurse and other relevant community services.

Before you leave hospital you should be provided with a list of supplies you will require or a repeat prescription form detailing your appliances, these may be recorded on the Patient Profile. When you leave hospital, you can obtain your stoma supplies on prescription. If you have a permanent stoma you are entitled to claim exemption from prescription charges by obtaining an exemption certificate from your doctor. There are several stoma equipment manufacturers and suppliers, many offer a home delivery service. Go to Find information to download the relevant factsheet.

People are all different, bowel disease or cancer can be located in different places within the bowel, because of this a number of different surgical options are available to the surgeon. The diagnosis will determine the type of surgical procedure you are likely to have. Your surgical options will be discussed with you by your surgeon, stoma nurse specialist or other members of the surgical team.

Support groups
Many people with stomas can often feel alone in the world. There are many self-help support groups across the country that are always looking for new members. Alternatively you may wish to speak with one of our volunteers, either local to yourself or in a different area but with experience on a specific issue that you want to discuss.
Get in touch via contact if you require more information or go to Get involved