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Abdominal surgery

Stoma

As a result of an intestinal disorder, it may be necessary to create an artificial opening for passing stools. This is referred to as a stoma. A stoma can be created in the large intestine (colostomy) or the small intestine (ileostomy).

Because the excretion of stools cannot be controlled via this opening, a collection system needs to be created for the stools.

On this page

Normal functioning of the digestive system

Our intestines ensure that waste products are removed from the body once the digestion process is complete.

The long and winding intestinal tract (7 to 8 m) is made up of two main components: the small intestine and the large intestine.

In the small intestine, intestinal secretions, bile and pancreatic juice help to digest ingested food. In addition, the small intestine plays a vital role in the absorption of digested products such as sugars, fats, proteins, amino acids and electrolytes.

Under the influence of peristaltic movements, food and undigested residues are propelled towards the large intestine.

In the large intestine, excess water and salt are absorbed, causing the stool to thicken. 

Under the influence of peristaltic movements, the stool is further propelled to the rectum, the final part of the colon. There, the stool accumulates until a defecation reflex occurs.

Types of stoma

A stoma can be created on the large or small intestine:

Colostomy

Stoma on the large intestine. During the operation one end of the large intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall and attached to the skin. This procedure is referred to as a colostomy.

A colostomy is usually performed on the left of the abdomen, below the navel.

Ileostomy

Stoma on the small intestine. During the operation one end of the small intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall and attached to the skin. This procedure is referred to as an ileostomy.

An ileostomy is usually performed on the right of the abdomen, below the navel.

A stoma may be permanent or temporary, depending on why it is necessary.

Permanent stoma

With a permanent stoma the operation has been so invasive that the natural exit, the anus, can never be used again.

  • When the entire large intestine needs to be removed, an end ileostomy is performed.
  • If only part of the colon (and sometimes the rectum) has been removed, an end colostomy is performed.

A permanent stoma often has a single opening, also referred to as an end stoma.

Temporary stoma

A temporary stoma is used to give a section of the intestine the opportunity to heal, e.g. following an operation or chronic inflammation. It is created with a view to removing it again at some point in the future. However, a temporary stoma cannot always be reversed.

A temporary stoma can be an end stoma or a double loop stoma. A double loop stoma has two openings: one produces waste, the other only mucus. 

With a temporary stoma mucus can still be excreted via the natural route, i.e. the anus.

Preparation and procedure

Before the operation

Which examinations will you undergo before your ostomy? What happens during the consultations? Do you need to fast before the procedure?

Hospital stay

Where do you stay before and after the operation?

Aftercare and follow-up

What follow-up can you expect after discharge from hospital? How do you purchase stoma material?

Living with a stoma

Taking care of your stoma

Which collection systems are available? How do you replace and care for them? What should you do if problems arise?

Daily life with a stoma

Ook met een stoma kan je een actief leven met een hoge levenskwaliteit behouden.

Managing pain and discomfort

During the first few months following the operation it is advisable to put your hand on the stoma to absorb some of the pressure when coughing or sneezing. You can also reduce the sound somewhat by placing and keeping your hand on the pouch.

When to seek medical advice

Contact a stoma nurse or doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • inexplicable bleeding
  • inexplicable fever
  • persistent pain
  • passing significantly fewer or more stools
  • an unusual bulge in the stoma
  • a wound next to the stoma
  • leakage problems

Questions or problems

  • Non-urgent questions: stomazorg@uzleuven.be

  • Urgent questions during the week (from 09:00 to 16:00):

    • tel. 016 34 37 75 (stoma team)
    • tel. 016 34 42 65 (abdominal surgery secretariat)

    The stoma nurse will try to solve the problem over the phone or make an appointment aimed at helping you as soon as possible.

  • Urgent questions outside of working hours or during the weekend: 

    tel. 016 34 44 40 (nurses on hospitalisatie 17 - abdominal surgery ward)

Last edit: 10 september 2026