Understanding the 4 Most Common Ostomy Types for Teaching

In nursing and clinical education, stoma care is a fundamental yet often overlooked skill. Teaching students how to identify and manage the four primary types of ostomies, colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, and loop stoma, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and nursing confidence.

1. Colostomy

A colostomy diverts part of the colon to the abdominal surface. Output is typically more solid, and care focuses on managing odor and preventing skin irritation.
👩‍⚕️ Teaching Tip: Emphasize pouch fitting and skin barrier use.

2. Ileostomy

Formed from the small intestine, an ileostomy produces a more liquid output. It requires more frequent emptying and presents challenges like dehydration.
👩‍🏫 In Class: Show how to cut the wafer precisely and manage high output.

3. Urostomy

Created for urine diversion, a urostomy often includes a stent and has constant drainage. Teaching should highlight hygiene and preventing infection.
💡 Demo Idea: Use a model to simulate urinary output and tube management.

4. Loop Stoma

This configuration includes two stomas: one for output, one for mucus. It’s less common but important for student exposure.
📚 Student Practice: Encourage hands-on use of training tools to understand dual-function care.

Visual Learning with Ultrassist Ostomy Models

Understanding ostomies is one thing. Seeing and practicing them is another.

Ultrassist offers three detailed stoma care models that display all four stoma types, allowing educators to demonstrate placement, discuss differences, and simulate output for hands-on teaching:

• 🔗 Wearable Ostomy Care Trainer – Ideal for partner role-play and real-life pouch application.
• 🔗 Tabletop Ostomy Kit with Display Stand – Great for lecture-based instruction and small group demos.
• 🔗 Hangable + Tabletop Combo Kit – Flexible use in various class settings.

These models help bridge theory and practice, ensuring students not only recognize stomas, but also know how to care for them properly.

Conclusion

Whether you're teaching in a classroom or clinic, using realistic stoma models gives students the clarity and experience they need. Help them move beyond textbooks and into real-world confidence with hands-on Ultrassist training.