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Abdomen:
The part of the body below the chest and above the hips. |
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Abdominoperineal resection (APR):
Surgical procedure in which some of the organs of the abdomen and pelvis are removed to prevent the further spreading of the cancer. |
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Accessories:
These are products that may
be used to enhance the performance
of your pouching system. Examples: paste,
ostomy belt, skin barrier rings. |
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Adenocarcinoma:
Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular (secretory) properties. |
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Adhesion:
Scar tissue that binds connecting surfaces; often causes complications, such as pain or constipation in a postsurgical patient. |
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Adjuvant therapy:
Medical treatment provided to a patient in addition to surgery to aid in the killing of cancer cells; adjuvant (meaning one that helps) chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both used in colorectal cancer treatment in an effort to eliminate all cancerous cells from the body. |
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Allergy:
A negative response to a substance. In ostomy care, a person may be allergic
to some part of the pouch system, such as the tape. However, allergies are fairly
uncommon and there may be other reasons for a reaction to a material. |
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Alopecia:
Loss of hair or baldness |
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Anus:
External opening of the digestive system |
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Barrier opening:
The barrier opening is defined by the pre-cut hole in the
skin barrier. It is usually the same size as the stoma, but
should not be smaller than the diameter of the stoma. |
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Barium x-ray:
Practice of using the metal barium in liquid form, in combination with x-rays, to create a picture of the intestines. |
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Benign:
Not cancerous. Benign tumours do not spread to tissue around them or to other parts of the body. |
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Bowel obstruction:
Blockage or clogging of the intestine. |
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BRAT diet:
Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast diet; this combination of foods can sometimes be used to stop or slow down diarrhoea. |
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Burping the pouch:
In a two-piece ostomy pouching system, this term is used to describe
the intentional partial separation of the flanges to allow gas to escape. |
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Cachexia:
General weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs during the course of a chronic illness such as cancer. |
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CAT scan:
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. These pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerised axial tomography, computed tomography (CT scan), or computerised tomography. |
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Chemotherapy:
Treatment that involves the use of prescription drugs. It may be specific to
a type of disease such as cancer chemotherapy. These drugs may influence the
output from the stoma. |
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Closed pouch:
A pouch that is not drainable from the bottom. When disposing, it is removed, emptied and . Most often a person with a colostomy with formed stool would use this type of pouch. |
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Colon:
Another term for the large intestine. |
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Colonoscope:
Flexible, elongated tube that can be inserted through the anus allowing the inside of the colon to be seen. |
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Colonoscopy:
Visual examination of the inner surface of the colon by means of a colonoscope. |
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Colon Conduit:
This is a specific type of urinary diversion. A segment of colon (large intestine) is used as a pipeline (conduit) to divert urine. The urine flows from the kidneys, down the ureters, through the conduit and out the stoma. The conduit is not a reservoir for urine.
The output from the stoma is urine and mucus. The bladder may be bypassed or removed. |
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Colour match:
Colours are used to match compatible pouches and skin barriers in some two-piece systems. The colour appears on the boxes and on the individual packages that the skin barriers come in. The products themselves are NOT coloured. |
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Colostomy:
A surgically created opening into the large intestine or colon. |
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Comfort backing pouch panels:
These panels are available on some ostomy pouches and provide a soft layer between the pouch film and the skin. |
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Compact Convexity:
A range of one-piece pouches with integral convex skin barriers. The pouches do not have micropore surrounding the skin barrier. They are available as closed, drainable or urostomy pouches. For patients with flat, recessed or retracted stomas. |
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Convexity:
This is the outward curving of the portion of the pouch/flange that has contact with the skin, ie. the skin barrier. The convex shape provides form to the skin barrier and support to the peristomal skin. |
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CushionFit:
The soft protective foam on most Hollister convex pouches. This softens the convexity, cushioning and protecting the stoma. |
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Cut-to-fit barrier:
A cut-to-fit barrier needs to be cut before it is applied to the body. There is a small starter hole in the centre of the skin barrier where scissors can be placed to make cutting easier. A cut-to-fit barrier is ideal if the stoma is still changing size or if the shape of the stoma is not round. |
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Dehydration:
The loss of total body water. This can occur because of vomiting, diarrhoea or low fluid intake. |
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Diarrhoea medication:
A drug used to help combat diarrhoea. The medication may result in decreased frequency or a thicker output. Medication can be obtained over-the-counter at a pharmacy or prescribed. |
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Discharge:
Generic term to refer to the output from a stoma. |
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Drainable pouch:
A pouch that opens from the bottom to empty the contents. A drainable pouch requires some type of clamp or integral closure on the bottom to keep it closed. A person with a colostomy or ileostomy (NOT a urostomy) would use this type of pouch. |
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Drainage:
Generic term to refer to the output from a stoma. May be urine or stool. |
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Electrolyte:
Any of various ions, such as sodium, potassium or chloride required by cells to regulate the electric charge and flow of water across the cell membranes. |
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Erythema:
Redness of the skin. |
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Faeces:
The matter discharged from the bowel during bowel movements consisting mostly of the waste material from food. |
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Film:
This is the plastic from which the pouch is made. |
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Filter:
A charcoal vent in an ostomy pouch that allows gas to escape and be deodorised. |
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FirstChoice:
A specific group of one-piece closed, drainable and urostomy pouches from Hollister. Available in a variety of sizes, cut-to-fit and pre-sized. |
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5-FU:
A drug that is used in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Also called fluorouracil. |
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Flange:
The flange is a plastic ring that is on a two-piece pouch system. The flange on the pouch and the flange on the skin barrier must match to create a secure pouching system. Letters (as in the Tandem two-piece ostomy system) or colour (as in the Hollister New Image two-piece ostomy system) designations may be used to help in correctly matching the flanges. |
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Flat skin barrier:
The skin barrier on this product is NOT curved
or convex. It may be part of a one-piece or two-piece system. |
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FlexWear:
A type of skin barrier from Hollister. It is designed to work well with most types of ostomy discharge. It can be worn for one to five days and is available within the Hollister New Image, Tandem and FirstChoice ostomy systems. |
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Floating flange:
This is a patented feature on Hollister two-piece skin barriers. The flange (plastic ring) and the skin barrier can move independently of each other. This means the skin barrier is more flexible and it makes it easier for you to attach the flanges. |
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FOLFOX:
An abbreviation for a type of combination chemotherapy that is used to treat colorectal cancer. It includes fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan. |
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Gluten:
Wheat gum; the protein part of wheat and some other grains. |
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Healthcare professional:
Generic term to describe a variety of people involved in health care: Doctor, Stomal Therapy Nurse and Pharmacist—to name just a few. |
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Ileal conduit:
This is a specific type of urinary diversion. A segment of ileum (small intestine) is used as a pipeline (conduit) to divert urine. The urine flows from the kidneys, down the ureters, through the conduit and out the stoma. The conduit is not a reservoir for urine. The output from the stoma is urine and mucus. The bladder may be bypassed or removed. |
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Ileostomy:
A surgically created opening through the abdomen that leads into the small intestine. |
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Ileum:
Last section of the small intestine before it connects to the colon. |
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Incision line:
Location where an incision (cut made in the skin) was made during an operation. In ostomy surgery, it may be on the abdomen, around the base of the stoma or in the perineum. |
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Irritation:
Any inflammation or soreness. In ostomy care, it usually refers to the skin.
A skin irritation may be seen as skin that is reddened, open, and/or moist. |
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Karaya 5:
A type of natural skin barrier available from Hollister. It is particularly well suited for sensitive skin or if allergic reactions to synthetic products occur. It will break down when exposed to high heat or to high-water content discharge. It has a mildly acidic pH (4.5-5.0). |
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Large intestine:
The last part of the digestive tract. It is divided into caecum, colon and rectum, and is concerned especially with the reabsorption of water, and the formation and collection of faeces. |
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Letter match:
Letters are used to match compatible pouches and skin barriers in the Tandem two-piece systems. The letter appears on the boxes, the individual skin barrier packages and on the pouches themselves. |
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Low anterior resection (LAR):
Surgical procedure used to remove the cancerous tissue in colorectal cancer. |
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Lymph nodes:
Bean-like structures throughout the body that are part of the immune system that helps fight off disease. |
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Medical oncologist:
Medical doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer. |
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Moderma Flex:
A range of one-piece pouches, available as closed, drainable or urostomy. The barrier has the unique indentations caused by air spaces. This ensures that the skin under the barrier is allowed to rest and recover. Also available in convexity without air space indentations. |
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Mucous:
A viscous suspension that is normally secreted by the body. Mucus in the bowel helps with lubrication. May be seen in the discharge of a colostomy or urostomy. |
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MRI:
Magnetic resonance imaging – specialised way to look at the organs of the body using magnetic energy and a computer. |
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Nausea:
A symptom resulting from the inclination to vomit. |
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New Image:
A specific group of two-piece products from Hollister. Key features of the range includes a choice of skin barriers with and without tape, low profile flange, cut-to-fit, pre-cut, flat and convex barriers, exclusive rustle-free pouch film and Beige Comfort backing. Available in drainable, closed and urostomy pouches. New Image assembles securely with Hollister patented CenterPointLock. |
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Night drainage bag:
A large collection bag for urine. A person with a urostomy is able to connect their pouch to a night drainage bag. |
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Occlusive tape:
This is a plastic film with adhesive that may be used to help hold an ostomy pouch on to the skin. Occlusive tape does not allow moisture vapour to pass through the tape. |
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Odour-barrier film:
Pouch film that is highly resistant to letting odours pass through while the pouch is worn. |
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One-piece pouch:
A one-piece system includes a skin barrier and pouch that are already attached. Most one-piece pouching systems do not include a plastic ring or flange that limits the ability of the pouch to flex with changes in the body. Generally, a one-piece system is more flexible than a two-piece system. |
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Opaque:
This refers to pouch film that is coloured—either white or beige. It is designed
to help conceal the contents of the pouch. |
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Ostomy:
A surgically created opening into the gastrointestinal (bowel) or urinary system. This is a general term and is sometimes used interchangeably with the word stoma, which is a greek word for mouth or opening. |
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Pelvic extenteration:
Surgical removal of all of the organs of the pelvis. Performed to treat cancers of the rectum or other pelvic organs. |
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Pelvis:
Area of the body surrounded by the hips. Includes the bladder, prostate, uterus and other organs. |
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Peristomal skin:
This refers to the skin immediately around the stoma. Usually the adhesive of the pouching system covers the peristomal skin. |
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Polyp:
Mass of tissue that bulges or projects outward or upward from the surface. |
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Polypectomy:
Surgical removal of a polyp. |
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Porous paper tape:
This is paper with adhesive that may be used to help hold an ostomy pouch on the skin. Porous tape allows moisture vapour to pass through the tape and not be trapped on the skin. Sometimes refered to as "breathable" tape. |
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Pouch:
The bag that collects the discharge from the stoma. |
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Pre-cut:
The barrier opening on these products has already been cut for added convenience. The sizes are listed and should be selected based upon your stoma size. Ideal if the stoma has a round shape. |
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Radiation oncologist:
Doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer using radiation. |
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Radiation therapist:
Person who assists the radiation oncologist and who usually delivers the daily radiation treatments. |
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Radiation therapy:
Treatment that involves the use of therapeutic radiation. Usually used specifically in the treatment of cancer. This treatment may influence the output from the stoma, the condition of the skin and the surface of the stoma. |
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Rectum:
The last part of the large intestine leading to the anus (external opening of the digestive system). |
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Rustle-free (4 Layer odour barrier film):
Quiet pouch film that is designed to minimise noise when wearing an ostomy pouch. This is an exclusive feature available only from Hollister. |
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Sexual dysfunction:
Abnormal functioning of the sexual organs, or difficulty engaging in sexual activity. |
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Sigmoid colon:
This is the last portion of the large bowel just before the rectum. |
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Sigmoidoscopy:
Inspection through a fibreoptic scope, the inside of the sigmoid colon which is part of the large intestine that empties into the rectum. |
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Skin barrier:
A product placed on the body for the purpose of protecting the skin. Skin barriers are adhesive, but have different properties based upon formulation. Examples of Hollister skin barriers are Karaya 5 and FlexWear. |
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Sphincter:
Refers to a muscle that surrounds and closes an opening. When a stoma is created, the sphincter that allows for control of output is bypassed. A stoma does not have a sphincter. |
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STN:
Stomal Therapy Nurse. A nurse with specialised education in the care of people with stomas. |
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Stock number:
This number is unique to a specific product and assures that the correct size and features are provided based on an individual selection. |
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Stoma:
A surgically created opening into the gastrointestinal (bowel) or urinary system. This is a general term and is sometimes used interchangeably with the word ostomy. The stoma is red, moist and is not painful. (Stomas can be formed on other areas of the body - these are not discussed here, eg. Tracheostomy - air way opening directly into the neck). |
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Stoma measuring guide:
A card used to measure the stoma at the base. This information is useful in selecting
the right size pouch or skin barrier. |
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Stool:
Term used to define waste material from the bowel. Also known as faeces. |
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Tandem:
A specific group of two piece products from Hollister, incorporating the revolutionary Tandem CenterPoint Lock system. This patented closure mechanism eliminates any possibility of accidental pouch detachment. Available in a variety of pre-cut, cut-to-fit and convex flanges to use with the closed, drainable and urostomy pouches. |
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Tape border:
This is a product that has tape around the outside of the skin barrier—like
a picture frame. It helps to hold your pouching system securely in place and
to protect your skin barrier. |
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Tapered barrier:
This unique design means the skin barrier is thicker around the stoma for greater protection and yet thinner at the outside edge. This means no tape and a more flexible, comfortable system. |
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Transparent pouch:
The pouch film on this product is designed to allow you to see the pouch contents. This is preferred in some situations. |
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Two-piece pouch:
A two-piece system includes a skin barrier with flange and a pouch with flange. The two flanges lock together to create the pouch system. The flanges influence the flexibility of the pouch because they are plastic and, therefore, not as flexible as a skin barrier alone. |
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Urinary tract infection (UTI):
An infection that typically involves the kidneys or bladder. Some warning signs of a urinary tract infection include dark cloudy urine, strong smelling urine, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. |
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Urologist:
A physician who specialises in urinary or urogenital tract diseases and disorders. |
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Urostomy:
A surgically created opening (usually on the abdomen) that allows urine to flow out of the body. A urostomy may also be called a urinary diversion or ileal conduit. |
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Urostomy pouch:
This type of pouch has a drain tap or spout at the end since it is designed to drain liquid contents (usually urine) from a pouch. A person with a urostomy or urinary diversion would use this type of pouch. |
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Wear time:
This is the length of time a product can be worn before failure. Failure is usually the result of barrier erosion or separation from the skin surface. Wear time varies widely. The goal of selecting an appropriate ostomy product is to provide a predictable and consistent wear time. |
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