Ostomy Care

If you have an ostomy (surgical opening in your abdominal wall), properly caring for it is crucial. At the Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh, with locations in Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada, board-certified physicians AJ Singh, MD, and Johnathan Maxham, DO, offer superior ostomy care for people of all ages. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is ostomy care?

Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh offers ostomy care for established patients and people who have just received an ostomy. 

The skilled team provides care, education, and home services via the Health Plan of Nevada. Services they offer include home parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) for patients. Ostomy care also includes continuing education at home, certified wound care by a registered nurse, after-hours care when needed, and emergency supply replacement. 

When do you need ostomy surgery?

An ostomy is a procedure in which a specialist creates an opening in your abdominal wall that travels from an area inside of the body (e.g., colon, small intestine, bladder) to the outside via your abdominal muscles and skin. An ostomy allows waste and urine to leave your body. Depending on your situation, an ostomy can either be temporary or permanent.

For example, your colon may need time to temporarily heal after colorectal surgery.

You might be a candidate for ostomy surgery if you have:

• A small or large intestine injury
• Rectal or colon cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Bowel blockages
• Crohn's disease
• Bladder cancer
• Diverticulitis 

About one in 500 Americans have ostomies.

What does ostomy care include?

Ostomy care at Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh involves keeping the site of your opening clean and recovering effectively after ostomy surgery. After surgery, you wear an ostomy bag (pouch). Your provider teaches you how to properly attach, empty, and change the pouch. Many people need to change it every 3-7 days, but some bags must be changed daily.

To change your ostomy bag, wipe away any mucus from the opening, clean your skin using mild soap, warm water, and a washcloth, and rinse well. Dry the area completely before attaching a new bag.

Call the Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh office if you experience signs of infection, pain, irritation, cramping, excessive bleeding, unusual odors, watery discharge that lasts more than six hours, or other unusual symptoms. 

Ostomy pouches are perfectly safe for use while showering and even swimming. Call the team at Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh any time you have questions.

Schedule an ostomy care visit with the team at Family Health & Wellness Center by Dr. Singh by phone or request one online today.