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Surgery: The Basics

Surgery can improve your life. Depending upon your needs, the surgery will remove the part of your bladder (urostomy), small intestine (ileostomy), or large intestine (colostomy) that is too damaged by your medical condition to recover on its...

Ostomy Product Information

Everyone's body and stoma is different. Learn more about the different components of an ostomy system and why some elements might be right for you. These helpful articles will walk you through some of the basics and some things to keep in mind...

Colostomy Surgery

A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine to divert waste from your digestive system. After you have this surgery, you will pass waste through a stoma that is located on your abdomen. The location of your colostomy is...

Nutritional Advice - Colostomy

Food and Drink Like everyone, at times you may experience constipation or diarrhea. Increasing your fluid and fiber intake can help prevent these problems. Here’s how: Drink six to eight cups (48-64 ounces) of water and other beverages per...

What is a Pouch

A pouch system collects your urine or stool, depending on your type of ostomy surgery. In a two-piece system, the skin barrier is separate from the pouch whereas in a one-piece system they are combined together. Closed-end Pouch Closed-end...

Dianne Hattaway

It’s not easy to hear that you have stage-four colon cancer, and even harder to be told you’re having ostomy surgery on the very same day. But on April 22, 2014, that’s exactly what happened to me. It was a shock and adjusting to a colostomy was...

Finding the Right Skin Barrier

Keeping your peristomal (around the stoma) skin healthy is important for your health and comfort, however, this skin can become irritated and infected if pouches leak, allowing urine or stool to come into contact with the skin. A well-fitting skin...

How is a Stoma Surgically Created

A stoma is a portion of your large or small intestine or urinary tract that has been brought through the surface of your abdomen (belly) and then folded back. The location depends on your medical condition. A stoma provides an alternative path for...

Meghan Tierney Hultman

At 23, Meghan started to notice unusual pain and bleeding when she went to the bathroom, but tried to ignore her embarrassing symptoms. Soon her pain escalated rapidly and left Meghan paralyzed one night. She was rushed to the emergency room and a...

What is a Skin Barrier

A skin barrier adheres to your peristomal (around the stoma) skin, helping protect your skin from stoma output, and attaching the pouch to your body. In a two-piece system, the skin barrier is separate from the pouch whereas in a one-piece system...

Your First 12 Weeks After Surgery

Now what? Your ostomy surgery is finished, and you are at home. For many people, surgery can be the beginning of a more comfortable life. But it still requires adjusting to life with a stoma—physically and mentally. Although your ostomy surgery...

Large Scale Study Results Show ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ Skin Barriers Help to Prevent and Improve Peristomal Skin Issues in Ostomy Patients

Presented at 44th Annual Conference of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society CHARLOTTE, NC (June 11, 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care,...

How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing A Parastomal Hernia

You may have heard about a complication known as a parastomal hernia A parastomal hernia (PSH) is a bulge around the stoma where extra loops of bowel have come through the abdominal wall next to the stoma and lie between the muscle and the...

Jearlean Taylor

Jearlean Taylor knows that looks can be deceiving. As an accomplished fashion model—and a double ostomate—she’s spent nearly 20 years camouflaging her pouches from the camera. That was easy, she says, compared to hiding the hurt and embarrassment...

Randy Henniger

When he was only 30 years old, recently married and the father of two boys, Randy Henniger was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Throughout the previous year he had experienced severe pain and bleeding and his wife encouraged him to see a...

Multinational Study Finds ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ Skin Barriers Help Prevent Skin Lesions in More Than 95 Percent of New Ostomates1

Vast majority of study participants also rank Moldable Technology™ high for comfort and reliability DEESIDE, WALES (April 8, 2015) – ConvaTec, a leading global medical products and technologies company, today announced results from a multinational...

Preliminary Results of a Large Scale Study Show ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ Skin Barriers Help to Prevent and Improve Peristomal Skin Issues in Ostomy Patients

Presented at the 11th Congress of the European Council of Enterostomal Therapy (ECET) SKILLMAN, NJ (June 23, 2011) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, announced new...

Choosing the Ostomy System That's Right for You

When it comes to life with an ostomy, there is no one-size-fits-all. Whether you’ve had colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery, we can help find the right system that will work for your ostomy type. Every person and stoma is unique, so it’s...

Urostomy Surgery

A urostomy is a type of surgery which enables urine to exit the body through a stoma after removal of a diseased or damaged portion of your urinary tract.1 With a urostomy, urine flows through your stoma as it is produced, so a pouching system is...

Preparing for Ostomy Surgery

Ostomy surgery can be scary, but you’re in good company. We can help you get ready—physically and mentally. If you are facing ostomy surgery, you have a medical condition or injury that is stopping your bowel or bladder from working properly. But...

Immediate Weeks Following Surgery

When you are in the hospital, you will be taught how to care for your stoma. Your nurse will help you find the right products and pouching system for your individual needs. You should be given enough product samples to allow you to try a variety...

Understanding Your Feelings After Surgery

Living with an ostomy will take some adjustment. In the first few weeks following surgery, you may find yourself feeling confused, angry, sad or frustrated. These are normal post-surgery feelings and should diminish as you adjust to life with a...

Getting Back Into Life After Surgery

As you move through the first few post-surgery months, some things may worry you as you adjust to life with a stoma. These concerns are understandable and very normal. Following are answers to a few common questions. If you have additional...

What to Expect at Your Pre-Surgery Visit

Like most people who are preparing for ostomy surgery, you may be wondering what to expect. It's normal to wonder how your life will change in the immediate weeks following surgery and beyond. Your professional healthcare team is your best...

Before Surgery

Before Surgery

Ileostomy Surgery

An ileostomy is created out of the ileum (small intestine)1 and requires some particular but simple attention to keep you comfortable and healthy. Because the ileum contains digestive enzymes and acids that may cause skin irritation, extra care...

Right After Surgery

Living With an Ostomy With me+, we completely surround you with the support, inspiration, insights and ideas that you need to live with an ostomy in your own way.

Study Shows Use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing Significantly Reduces Infection Rate Post Cardiac Surgery

Hospital Adoption of Advanced Wound Dressing Leads to Substantial Clinical and Cost Benefits GREENSBORO, NC (November 3, 2014) – A new retrospective study has found that use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL cover dressing resulted in a significant...

Study Finds Use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing Significantly Reduces Wound Complications after Joint Replacement Surgery

Published trial results also report significantly improved patient satisfaction rates LUXEMBOURG (December 9, 2015)—Recently published results of a randomized controlled trial found that the use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing resulted in a...

Choosing the Right Size

After surgery, your stoma may be swollen. As it heals, your stoma will gradually shrink in size. Because of this change in the weeks following surgery, it is important to regularly measure your stoma to ensure you are wearing the appropriate pouch...

me+™ Recovery Series

The me+ Recovery series provides information and support about the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery. The information presented here is not intended to provide medical advice. You should speak with your healthcare...

A Range of Options

Convatec provides ostomy systems for the following surgery types: Our specialized systems also meet the needs of children. Convatec offers a wide range of comfortable, secure pouch and skin barrier options to allow you to find a...

Caring for a Child with an Ostomy

Even though it’s often a lifesaving procedure, it’s still difficult to watch your little one undergo ostomy surgery. But the hardest part for many parents is feeling fearful or anxious about their child’s needs after surgery. We’re here to help....

Cal Shockley

In the summer of 2010, when he was only nine, Cal Shockley helped his relay team win a gold medal at the Rocket City Swim League swim meet in Huntsville, Alabama. But, soon after success at the meet and celebrating with his team, Cal began to feel...

Intimacy

Although it’s normal to feel sensitive about how an ostomy changes your body, meaningful and fulfilling intimate encounters can still be part of your and your partner’s lives. Communication and trust are at the heart of the healing process. It’s...

Physical Activities

Do you love to play tennis or golf? Think there’s nothing better than jogging, yoga or going for a swim? That’s great! Having an ostomy should not prevent you from staying fit. With your healthcare professional's permission, you can return to most...

Fashion Tips for Living with an Ostomy

If you have just had ostomy surgery, you may be worried about what to wear or how your wardrobe may change. However, just because you’ve had ostomy surgery, it doesn't mean you can’t wear the clothes you loved prior to surgery. Your wardrobe can...

Nicole Kilgore

With the help of family and friends, Nicole Kilgore has kept a positive attitude about life and her future. Nicole Kilgore was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease at the age of 20. After exhausting all efforts to treat her symptoms with...

Green Phase One - Foundation

In the early days after your operation, there’s a lot to come to terms  with, and it can be a difficult and challenging time. But having an ostomy doesn’t have to stop you from living a completely normal and healthy life. In fact, many people with...

Lee Thrash

Before being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, Lee Thrash had no idea that living with an ostomy would be such a blessing. Lee Thrash was about to graduate from high school in 1997 when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Despite missing the...

Preliminary Study Results Find 47 Percent Fewer Complications, Higher Patient Satisfaction with AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing

Earlier study credits advanced antimicrobial dressing with 76% reduction in surgical site infections Skillman, NJ, May 15, 2013 – Preliminary findings from a new prospective study of complications after knee replacement surgery show a 47 percent...

Nutritional Advice - Ileostomy

After recovery from surgery, you can gradually resume eating whatever you like—unless your doctor requires you to follow a special diet. You should know, however, that because the ileum is narrow, high-fiber foods can sometimes cause blockages —...

Lisa Becker

From the tender age of 13, Lisa Becker has lived with Crohn’s disease. Today, just over 20 years later, she is turning her years of adversity into her career passion with a “fashionable” business that caters to helping fellow ostomates feel more...

What to Expect In the Hospital

Stoma placement may also be discussed in your pre-surgery visit. If your surgeon does not discuss stoma placement with you, we encourage you to ask about it before surgery Correct stoma placement is important for your future comfort and ability...

Albert Mignone

Twelve years after receiving his award, Albert Mignone continues to exemplify the “come back, give back” spirit of Great Comebacks. In addition to kicking up his heels and traveling the globe with his wife, Linda, Albert has remained focused on...

Dennis Frohlich

While most students embarking on their senior year of college are thinking about life after graduation, Dennis Frohlich, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis the summer after his junior year, was wondering what his future would be like if he...

Gillian Knafelc

When Gillian Knafelc began experiencing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis when she was just 10 years old, she assumed it was something all kids her age dealt with. So, when her mother discovered her illness and rushed her to the hospital, Gillian...

Eric Hayes

Eric Hayes of Carlsbad, California was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 27. Although he suspected something was wrong for more than three years, his condition took a sudden turn for the worse in February 1987 and he would lose more...

me+ Services and Care

More than just great products, the me+™ program brings you the tools and advice to help you make life with an ostomy completely your own. At first, living with an ostomy can feel as if your whole world is going to change. It’s normal to have many...

Bill O'Donnell

Since receiving the Great Comebacks® Award in 1990, Bill O’Donnell has been very busy: he graduated college, became a husband and father as well as a local hero and TV game show contestant.  Bill continues to prove, every day, that having an...

Al Geiberger

Professional golfer Al Geiberger, who has played on the PGA circuit since 1965, has won a total of 29 events and is best known for being the first professional golfer to shoot a score of 59. What most people don’t know, however, is that “Mr. 59”...

Nutritional Advice and Diet Tips

Eating well is a big part of living life on your own terms. The good news is that having a stoma should not stand in the way of enjoying good food. There are no set dietary rules for people living with a stoma. It may just take a bit of time to...

ConvaTec Moldable Technology™

The only thing that gets cut out is the worry The only skin barrier designed to mold to the shape of your individual stoma. No cutting or scissors required. Made from skin protecting stoma adhesives. To protect the skin, a skin barrier needs to...

Study Finds 78% Drop in Surgical Site Infection with AQUACEL® Ag Surgical Cover Dressing

1,892 patient study shows dramatic drop in infection in total joint surgery1 SKILLMAN, NEW JERSEY (October 1, 2012) - A new study looking at infections following joint replacement surgery finds a 78 percent decrease in joint infections when...

Sarah Russell

Health has always been a priority for me and my family. I've worked in the fitness industry as a coach and trainer for 25 years and competed at an International level in both rowing and triathlon. I've always been a competitive marathon runner,...

Bo Parrish

On March 30, 2006, Bo Parrish was faced with a decision that he never thought he would have to make. He chose life! At 12 years old, Bo was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. For the next 13 years, he fought the disease, and a vicious cycle of flare...

Study Finds Use of AQUACEL Ag® SURGICAL Cover Dressing Could Save U.S. Health System $375 Million Annually

Findings from large study of hip and knee surgical site infectionspublished in The Journal of Arthroplasty GREENSBORO, NC (March 13, 2014)—A large study of infections following knee and hip replacement surgery found that the use of AQUACEL® Ag...

Purple Phase Three - Getting Fitter

If you’ve been working through Blue Phase Two for some weeks and feel ready to progress, you can move onto the movements in Purple Phase Three, with your healthcare professional’s permission. You may get to this stage 8-12 weeks after your...

Abby Klosterman

Abby Klosterman was a healthy 10-year-old, when she started feeling ill. Within a week of noticing symptoms, her life changed when what she and her parents thought could be a regular tummy ache was actually ulcerative colitis. Over the next few...

Stephanie Crane

Stephanie Crane couldn’t imagine life without dance. But when Crohn’s Disease threatened her life, she feared the worst. Stephanie remembers growing up in Minnesota with mixed emotions—dancing competitively more than 20 hours a week and going to...

Preventative Care

Keeping the skin around your stoma (peristomal skin) healthy is important. You can steer clear of many complications by following these simple suggestions. Bath and Shower Tips You can bathe and shower just as you did before surgery, with your...

Alexander Coe

Born in China, Alex Coe was left incontinent due to an imperforate anus that doctors tried to repair with a pull-through procedure. The procedure left Alex with complications that would not be resolved until the age of 10. By then he had been...

Kent Cullen

Living his life to the fullest – traveling, fishing, playing sports and overseeing a successful surgical practice – while also finding time to start the first Ostomy Club in Santa Barbara, CA, made Dr. Kent Cullen an ideal recipient for the 1991...

Elizabeth Davis

While other 9-year-olds spent their summers playing outdoors, Elizabeth Davis of Bozeman, MT, spent most of hers in and out of hospitals. By that fall, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and by winter had undergone surgery. Passionate about...

Herman Morchel

In 1984, at age 31, Herman Morchel was a successful advanced-technology engineering executive in the defense industry. He fell critically ill quite suddenly, and within weeks began hemorrhaging. He was rushed to surgery where doctors discovered he...

ConvaTec Appoints Paul Moraviec CEO Effective April 30, 2015

LUXEMBOURG (April 30, 2015) – ConvaTec, a privately-held medical products and technologies company, today announced that Paul Moraviec has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company. Mr. Moraviec was appointed Interim CEO of ConvaTec in...

ConvaTec Names Paul Moraviec Interim CEO Effective December 22, 2014

LUXEMBOURG (December 22, 2014) – ConvaTec, a privately-held medical products and technologies company, today announced that Paul Moraviec has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective December 22, 2014. Mr. Moraviec...

Blue Phase Two - Making Progress

When you’ve been working through Green Phase One for a few weeks and you feel confident with the moves, you’re ready to move onto Blue Phase Two, with your healthcare professional’s permission. There is no set time frame for how long to spend on...

Abby Ryan

Abby Ryan was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when she was only 14 months old, which resulted in the removal of her large intestine when she was only three. At age 11, she received a full ileostomy due to continuing quality-of-life issues. She...

Perry Swisher

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) Syndrome is a rare and inherited disease that leads to colon cancer, usually by the age of 40. And it can devastate a family. Perry Swisher knows that firsthand. His grandmother died at the age of 53 and his...

ConvaTec Launches Enhanced Starter Kit™ Web Ordering Tool

New image-based interface, optimized for mobile devices, makes product selection easier and faster for nurses and healthcare professionals Skillman, NJ (June 18, 2013) – ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical...

ConvaTec Hosts Live International Webcast on Effectiveness of Silver in Wound Dressings

Industry leaders will review data supporting use of silver in a range of dressings in a live webcast from Seoul, South Korea SKILLMAN, NJ (April 10, 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for...

ConvaTec Launches Operations in India

BANGALORE, INDIA (14 DECEMBER 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer of innovative medical technologies, is pleased to announce the launch of operations in India. ConvaTec has opened an office in Bangalore at the World Trade Center, which...

Chris Livett

My stoma story - Tackling life, head-on I was 10 years old when I was first introduced to Cancer and its devastating effects. My dad sat me down and explained that my mum had been diagnosed and how she only had two years left to live. I can still...

Rob Hill

Until 1994, Rob Hill had never been sick a day in his life. The 23-year-old amateur runner and adventurer, who completed his first marathon in the second grade, kept a rigorous training schedule.  Then, wracked by debilitating diarrhea, cramping,...

ConvaTec Introduces AQUACEL® EXTRA™ Wound Dressings With Hydrofiber® Technology in U.S.

Unique dressing for moderate to highly exuding wounds is designed to be nine times stronger and 39% more absorbent than current dressing1 SKILLMAN, NJ (February 13, 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical...

ConvaTec, a Leader in Antimicrobial Dressings and Infection Management, to Host Live International Webcast on Minimizing Risk of Wound Infections

Clinicians and researchers to review latest data underscoring the impact of evidence-based dressings slowing the risk of infection that threatens millions of patients each year SKILLMAN, NJ (September 6, 2012) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer...

New In Vitro Study Data Shows that Wound Dressing with Silver Kills MRSA and Other 'Superbugs' Resistant to Antibiotics

DALLAS, TX (April 15, 2011) - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced new in vitro study results showing that a wound dressing containing ionic silver is...