If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
Chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, major bleeding, or loss of consciousness require emergency medical services. This page describes non-emergency care delivered at home by skilled nurses.
Understanding Colostomy Care
What you should know
A colostomy is a surgically created opening where a portion of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall, allowing stool to drain into an external pouching system. Colostomies are performed for conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and trauma — and may be temporary or permanent.
Managing a colostomy shares many similarities with ileostomy care, but the output tends to be more formed (depending on the location of the colostomy in the colon), and some patients may eventually be able to irrigate their colostomy for more predictable output patterns.
Our wound/ostomy nurses provide comprehensive colostomy education: pouching technique, peristomal skin care, dietary guidance, irrigation training (when appropriate), and emotional support. We help patients move from the initial shock and learning curve to confident self-management.
Warning signs
You may need care if…
Your care plan
How we help at home
Expert care for colostomy care,
delivered to your home
Our clinicians bring hospital-level expertise to the comfort and safety of where you live.
Common questions
Colostomy Care — Common Questions
Irrigation is a technique where water is instilled through the stoma to stimulate the colon to empty at a controlled time. Not all colostomy patients are candidates, but for those who are, it can allow wearing a small cap instead of a full pouch between irrigations. Our nurses assess whether irrigation is appropriate and provide training.
That depends on the reason it was created and your overall health. Temporary colostomies (often created during cancer surgery or for diverticulitis) are typically reversed after 3–12 months once the underlying condition has healed. Your surgeon determines the timeline. In the meantime, our nurses ensure you're managing the colostomy safely and confidently.
Related services
Services involved in your care
These are the clinical services our team may use when managing colostomy care at home.
Renal System Care
Comprehensive management for patients with kidney disease and those on dialysis.
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Skilled Nursing Care
Our registered nurses provide comprehensive medical care in the comfort of your home, ensuring safety, comfort, and optimal health outcomes.
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Wound Care
Specialized wound care management for chronic, surgical, and complex wounds using evidence-based treatment protocols.
Learn moreGet help with colostomy care at home
Our experienced clinicians provide expert renal system care in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.