What
is a Stoma?
The stoma is where the ileal conduit is opened onto the surface
of your abdomen. It is normally formed as a small spout
protruding through the abdomen wall and is a healthy pinkish red
in colour (similar to the inside of your mouth).
Straight after your operation the stoma may be a little swollen
and you'll be able to see the stitches that hold it in place.
These will eventually dissolve away and the stoma will shrink to
form a neat spout, just long enough to pass urine cleanly into
your collection pouch.
The piece of bowel used to create the stoma will secrete a
thick white mucus, although this will gradually diminish.
The stoma has no nerve supply so it is insensitive to pain.
Because of this you must be careful to avoid accidental injury -
so treat it gently!
