Stoma

A stoma is the Greek word for “opening” or “mouth”. In medical terms a stoma is the word we use to explain a surgically-made opening of the bowel (both large and small). A stoma may be one of the following:

Colostomy
Gastrostomy
Ileostomy
Urostomy

An appliance (bag) is available free on NHS prescription for those with a permanent stoma.

Contacts

Colostomy Association	2 London Court, East Street, Reading, RG1 4QL 0118 939 1537	Colostomy Association hpme
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group	Peverill House, 1 – 5 Mill Road, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, BT39 9DR. 0800 0184 724	The IA Support Group home
Macmillan Cancer Support	89 Albert Embankment London, SE1 7UQ 0207 840 7840 (office) 0808 808 0000 (Help line)	Macmillan information
Motor Neurone Disease Association	PO Box 246, Northampton, NN1 2PR 01604 250505	MND Association home
Patient UK		PatientUK information
Urostomy Association	Secretary: Mrs. Hazel Pixley 18 Foxglove Avenue Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8UN 01889 563191	Urostomy Association home

Review date: Nov 2011

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