Glossary of Ostomy Terms

Anastomosis

The surgical connection of two separate tubular structures, most commonly the joining of two ends of the intestine after a section has been removed or separated. This is the primary action in an ostomy reversal.

Bowel Obstruction

A blockage that prevents food and waste from moving through the intestines. This is a potential, though uncommon, complication after an ostomy reversal.

Bowel Function

The normal movement of stool through the intestine and out of the body. The goal of reversal is to restore normal bowel function.

Bowel Incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements, resulting in accidental leakage of stool. This can be a temporary or long-term complication after ostomy reversal, especially following a low rectal anastomosis.

Bristol Scale

Printable Chart

The Bristol Stool Scale (or Chart) is a medical tool that classifies human feces into seven types based on shape and consistency, helping doctors and patients understand bowel health, digestion speed, and potential issues like constipation (Types 1-2) or diarrhea (Types 5-7), with ideal stools being sausage-like and smooth (Types 3-4).

The Seven Types of Stool

Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass) – Constipation.
Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy – Constipation.
Type 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface – Normal/Ideal.
Type 4: Sausage or snake-like, smooth and soft – Normal/Ideal.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (easy to pass) – Trending toward Diarrhea.
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, mushy – Diarrhea.
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces – Diarrhea.

What it tells you

Constipation: Types 1 & 2 mean stool stayed in the colon too long, absorbing too much water.
Diarrhea: Types 6 & 7 mean stool moved too quickly through the colon, absorbing too little water.
Healthy Digestion: Types 3 & 4 indicate good fiber, fluid intake, and transit time.

Uses

Helps clinicians and patients communicate clearly about bowel habits.
Aids in diagnosing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Monitors treatment effectiveness for bowel diseases.

Bidet

A bidet is a plumbing fixture or attachment that sprays water to cleanse your genital and anal areas after using the toilet, offering a more hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to toilet paper. It can range from a standalone basin next to the toilet to a modern, feature-rich seat or attachment that fits onto an existing toilet, often with adjustable warm water, heated seats, and warm air dryers.

Bidet are exceptionally useful for reversal patients as they allow for cleaning without wiping an often-tender part of the body. Use the bidet to wash the area clean, then pat – do not wipe – dry.

Colon

The colon, or large intestine, is the final part of your digestive system, a long muscular tube that absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter, forming solid waste (stool) that’s then stored in the rectum for elimination from the body through the anus. It’s divided into ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections, working to process waste and maintain fluid balance.

Colostomy

An ostomy created from the large intestine (colon). Reversal involves reconnecting the colon to allow for defecation through the anus.

Closure (of Stoma)

The surgical procedure to take down or reverse a temporary ostomy, reconnecting the ends of the intestine that were previously separated.

Colitis

Colitis is the inflammation of the colon, or large intestine, which can be caused by infection, chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis, or other factors. Symptoms vary but often include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and a constant urge to have a bowel movement. More severe cases can lead to fever, dehydration, weight loss, and bloody stools.

Calmiseptine

Calmoseptine is a moisture barrier ointment used to treat and prevent minor skin irritations like diaper rash, incontinence-related skin issues, minor burns, cuts, and scrapes, by creating a protective layer that keeps moisture away while soothing with ingredients like zinc oxide, calamine, and menthol. It works by blocking irritants and providing relief from itching and discomfort, promoting healing by keeping the skin dry.

Distal Bowel

The section of the intestine below the ostomy, leading to the rectum and anus. After reversal, this section becomes functional again.

Diversion

Bowel diversion is a surgical procedure that reroutes intestinal waste, creating an opening (stoma) in the abdomen to allow stool to exit the body into an external pouch, used when part of the bowel is diseased, injured, or needs to heal, often called an ostomy (ileostomy or colostomy). It serves as a short or long-term solution for conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or blockages, by bringing a section of the small or large intestine to the skin’s surface, bypassing damaged areas.

Disuse/Diversion Colitis

Disuse colitis, more commonly known as Diversion Colitis, is inflammation in a segment of the colon that’s been diverted from the normal fecal stream due to surgery (like a colostomy or ileostomy) or gender affirmation surgery, often caused by lack of nutrients (like short-chain fatty acids) and changes in bacteria. While most patients are asymptomatic, symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucus/blood in stool, or rectal discharge, with treatment focusing on restoring fecal flow (surgery) or using anti-inflammatory enemas for non-surgical candidates, though it’s often difficult to treat medically.

Effluent

The output that comes from an ostomy, which can include stool, urine, or mucus, depending on the type of ostomy.

End Ostomy

A type of ostomy where the entire distal (non-functioning) part of the intestine is closed off (Hartmann’s procedure), and only the proximal, functioning end is brought out as a stoma. Reversal is known as a Hartmann’s reversal.

Fiber (Dietary)

Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods, a type of carbohydrate that passes through your system, aiding digestion, promoting fullness, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, fiber comes in two main types—soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (adds bulk)—both crucial for digestive and overall health.

GLP-1

Why it matters to ostomy reversal patients

Gut Health

Hartmann’s Reversal

The complex procedure to reverse an end colostomy (Hartmann’s procedure), which involves mobilizing the closed-off distal rectum and performing a major anastomosis to reconnect the two ends.

Hernia

Intestine

The long, winding tube-like structure that extends from the stomach to the anus. It is divided into the small intestine and the large intestine (colon).

Ileostomy

An ostomy created from the small intestine (ileum). Reversal involves reconnecting the ileum to the remainder of the large intestine or rectum.

Incision

The surgical cut made into the body. Post-reversal, there will be a new incision where the stoma was, and potentially a larger one if it was a complex reversal (e.g., Hartmann’s).

Ileum

Ileus

A temporary lack of movement in the intestines after surgery, which can delay the return of normal bowel function.

J Pouch

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Loop Ostomy

A type of temporary ostomy where a loop of the intestine is brought to the abdominal surface and partially divided, creating two openings: one for active stool/effluent (proximal) and one for inactive mucus (distal). This is the most common type of ostomy that is reversed.

LARS (Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome)

Mucous Fistula

An opening on the abdomen where the inactive, non-functional section of the intestine is brought to the surface to drain mucus. In an ostomy reversal, this is closed and reconnected to the active bowel.

Mobilization

The process of surgically freeing the intestine from surrounding tissues and scar tissue so that the ends can be brought together for anastomosis.

Ostomy

A surgically created opening, or stoma, on the abdomen that allows for the exit of body waste (feces or urine) into an external pouch or bag.

Peristalsis

The involuntary, wave-like muscle contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract. The return of normal peristalsis is a sign of successful bowel function post-reversal.

Proximal Bowel

The section of the intestine above the ostomy, from which the effluent originates.

Perineal Wound

A wound or incision made in the perineum (area between the genitals and anus) if the rectum or anus was involved in the original or reversal surgery.

Pain Levels

Prebiotic

Probiotic

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Robotic Surgery (define)

Reversal

Rectum

Radiation Proctitis

Stoma

The visible part of an ostomy; the surgically created opening on the abdomen where a section of the intestine is brought through.

Stricture

An abnormal narrowing of a tubular body part, such as the intestine, which can occur at the site of the anastomosis and cause difficulty passing stool.

Stoma Site Hernia

A type of incisional hernia that develops at the site where the stoma was closed.

Scar Tissue

Stage (Cancer Stage)

Takedown

Another term for ostomy reversal or closure, referring to the action of surgically removing the stoma and closing the opening in the abdomen.

Triggers

Urostomy

Ulcerative Colitis