What is a Stoma & iPouch?
It is believed that there are approximately 13.5 million people worldwide with an ostomy. In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 335 people has a stoma, or over 210,000 adults and children with a stoma (ostomates). About 25,000 new stomas are formed each year in the UK.
It is not known how many people worldwide have an ileoanal pouch (ipouches), but statistically it is estimated that there may be over 300,000 ipouches worldwide. It is also believed that the estimated number of ipouches in the UK is over 10,000. About 300 new ipouches are formed each year in the UK.
The main reasons for stoma formation are to:
● keep faeces or urine away from the area of the intestine where two ends of the intestine were stitched back together, to allow the joint to heal
● reroute faeces or urine when part of the intestine or bladder is taken out
● reroute the intestine above a big obstruction, tear, or stricture (narrowing)
● stop faeces or urine from the damaged intestine or bladder from leaking inside your body
● allow damaged intestines or bladder to heal properly
Selected people who do not wish to have a stoma, and if eligeble candidates, may choose to have an ipouch instead of a stoma.
The most common diseases requirng surgery and stoma or ipouch formation are cancer, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Stoma & iPouch Awareness (2024)
“Our objective is to raise awareness regarding stoma and ipouch care by illustrating the various adjustments that may be necessary for different situations each day of the year.
Please take a moment to explore our gallery below, which offers daily insights into life with a stoma and ipouch”.
