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However long you've had an ostomy, the skin around your stoma — your peristomal skin — deserves just as much attention as the stoma itself. A good pouching system is designed to protect that skin from stool or urine, but leaks, irritation, and everyday wear and tear can still take a toll over time. Based on the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society's Basic Ostomy Skin Care guide, here's what healthy skin should look like, what commonly causes problems, and how to keep your skin in good shape.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your surgeon, ostomy nurse, or other member of your health care team. Your own care plan should always come from

If you're new to living with a urostomy, or preparing for surgery, it's natural to have questions about what day-to-day care actually looks like. A urostomy (sometimes called an ileal conduit) diverts urine out of the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed, and caring for it involves a few things that are different from a colostomy or ileostomy. This guide, based on the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) New Ostomy Patient Guide, covers the basics of pouching, early recovery, and what to watch for as you settle into a routine.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your surgeon, urologist, or ostomy nurse. Your own care plan

If you've ever dealt with leaks, sore skin, or a pouching system that just won't seem to stay put, an ostomy ring may be worth a conversation with your care team. These small, moldable accessories aren't necessary for everyone, but for many people living with an ostomy, they can make a meaningful difference in comfort, confidence, and wear time. Here's what an ostomy ring is, the signs it might help you, and how to use one.

What Is an Ostomy Ring?

An ostomy ring is a soft, moldable ring that creates a secure seal around your stoma. It helps fill gaps and uneven areas to prevent leaks and

If you've recently had or are living with ostomy surgery, you may have heard the term "parastomal hernia" mentioned by your care team. It's one of the more common complications associated with having a stoma, but understanding what it is, why it happens, and what your options are can make it much less intimidating. This guide draws on the United Ostomy Associations of America's (UOAA) New Ostomy Patient Guide to walk through the basics of parastomal hernias — what they are, how they're managed, and when it's time to talk to your doctor.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor, surgeon, or ostomy care nurse. If you notice a bulge near your

For many women, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — leaking urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise — doesn't necessarily mean surgery is the next step. A pessary is a removable device that can offer meaningful relief for the right candidates, without the recovery time or risks of an operation. This guide, based on the 2024 Canadian Urological Association (CUA) guideline on female stress urinary incontinence, looks at who pessaries tend to work well for, how effective they are, and what to expect.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or a pelvic health specialist. Whether a pessary is right for you depends

Leaks around the stoma are frustrating, and they can lead to irritated skin. Barrier rings are a simple way to improve the fit of your pouching system. This guide covers what Hollister’s CeraPlus™ Rings are, how to use them, and which size to choose.

What Are CeraPlus™ Rings?

CeraPlus™ Rings are moldable barrier rings that go around the stoma to help prevent leaks and peristomal skin problems. They’re infused with ceramide, a substance that, according to Hollister, helps protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier and limits the water loss that can lead to dryness and damage.

What Do They Do?

• Help keep drainage from getting under your skin barrier. This is the main job of any barrier ring.
• Fill

SenSura® Mio now comes in black to blend in with your outfits and lifestyle. It has the same BodyFit Technology you’re used to, providing secure body contact to prevent leakage, and a flexible fit during movement. SenSura Mio black pouch is now available with our new click coupling mechanism. It is easy, intuitive and gentle to apply¹, with a lock that provides you with a reassuring feeling of security².

View the entire range of Coloplast SenSura® Mio Black pouches now available for purchase at CanMedDirect.ca.

One of the issues that patients are usually concerned with after surgery is how to empty a colostomy bag. Of course, it may feel unfamiliar at first. In a little while, you will get used to the new conditions, and it won’t prevent you from enjoying an active life.

What Is a Colostomy Bag?

A colostomy bag is a plastic pouch used to collect fecal matter after a colostomy surgery. It is attached to the stoma — the opening created on the abdomen during the procedure. Why do you need it? The stoma has neither muscles nor nerve endings, which means it is impossible to control when your bowels move. A colostomy bag accumulates the fecal matter whenever necessary, keeping you comfortable and protected

Almost all patients who have had surgery ask the question: Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery? The reason for this is swelling, which always occurs after a hernia repair. In most cases, the swelling is normal and will go away with time. But sometimes it can indicate inflammatory processes in the body, infection, or more serious consequences of surgery. 

To minimize possible abnormal abdominal bloating and the risk of complications, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations. In our article, we will tell you why swelling occurs and what simple methods are available to help you recover from laparoscopic surgery to remove a hernia in the abdomen. 

Causes of swelling during