Introduction

Ostomy surgery is a life-saving intervention for many patients with serious gastrointestinal or urinary conditions—but it comes with unique care needs. At Vital Wound Care, we specialize in managing stoma complications and peristomal wounds, offering advanced, mobile wound care support throughout Las Vegas.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what an ostomy is, why it’s performed, common complications, and how wound care plays a vital role in recovery and long-term health.

What Is an Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall, called a stoma, to allow waste to exit the body when normal digestive or urinary pathways are compromised. This is often required due to:

Colorectal or bladder cancer

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Trauma or injury to the bowel

Diverticulitis or birth defects

Depending on the condition, an ostomy may be temporary or permanent.

Types of Ostomies

There are three primary types of ostomies:

Colostomy

Creates a stoma from the colon (large intestine). Output is typically formed or semi-formed stool.

Ileostomy

Involves the small intestine (ileum) and usually produces a liquid or paste-like output.

Urostomy

Redirects urine from the kidneys using a section of the small intestine when the bladder is removed or bypassed.

The Link Between Ostomy and Wound Care

Wound care is essential for patients with an ostomy. The skin around the stoma, known as peristomal skin, is prone to complications that can quickly become wounds if not properly treated. Common issues include:
‍
‍Mucocutaneous separation (where the stoma detaches from the skin)
Skin irritation or breakdown
Stomal lacerations
Infection, bleeding, or necrosis

‍At Vital Wound Care, our team uses advanced wound dressings, proper pouching systems, and patient-specific protocols to prevent and heal these complications quickly.

Signs of a Healthy (and Unhealthy) Stoma

A healthy stoma should be:
Pink to red in color
Moist and shiny
Slightly protruding from the abdomen
Painless (though it may bleed lightly when cleaned)
Warning signs to look out for:Dark purple, brown, or black coloringFoul odor or pus
Pain around the stoma
Retraction (sunken in) or prolapse (sticking out too far)
These could indicate infection or poor blood supply—both requiring immediate wound care intervention.

How Vital Wound Care Helps Ostomy Patients in Las Vegas

Our mobile team of certified wound specialists provides:
Weekly stoma and peristomal skin assessments
On-site dressing changes and ostomy care education
Fitting and re-fitting of ostomy appliances
Care coordination with home health and hospice agencies
We meet you wherever you are—home, facility, or hospice setting—to deliver compassionate, timely, and expert wound care.

FAQ: Las Vegas Wound Care & Mobile Wound Care

What causes skin irritation around my stoma?

Leaks, poor pouch fit, or moisture can irritate the skin and cause wounds.

Do I need wound care if I already have a home health nurse?

Yes. We specialize in advanced wound healing, working alongside home health to prevent hospital readmissions.

Is peristomal skin breakdown considered a wound?

Yes—and if left untreated, it can become infected. Our team is trained to heal these wounds quickly.