The Ostomy Center at GBMC

The Ostomy Center at GBMC offering inpatient and outpatient care is staffed by certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence specialists working one-on-one with patients in need of ostomy care and services.

What is an Ostomy?

“Ostomy” is derived from Greek and means a surgically created opening of the skin connecting an internal organ to the surface of the body. The most common types of ostomies are ileostomy, connecting the small intestine to the skin; colostomy, connecting the large intestine to the skin; and a urostomy, diverting urine away from a diseased or defective bladder. Some ostomies are temporary and some are permanent, depending upon the patient’s medical condition.

Who needs an Ostomy?

If circumstances dictate the need for an ostomy your surgeon will discuss this with you. Typically patients undergoing treatment for blockages and disturbances to organ functions due to cancer, diverticulitis, trauma, para or quadriplegia, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, pressure ulcers of the sacral area or urological problems may have an ostomy.

What type of services are available at the Ostomy Center?

• Pre and post operative consultations
• Pre-operative evaluation and marking of stoma site
• Patient education
• Personalized appliance selection and fitting
• Peristoma skin care
• Ongoing support and problem solving
• Intimacy counseling  and relationship concerns

If I have an ostomy, will my physical activities be limited?

Usually no.   You are probably unaware that most likely, some of your friends or acquaintances have an ostomy. All of your usual activities, including sports, may be resumed once healing from surgery is complete. Of course, you should check with your doctor about resuming your daily activities and sports so they can assist you to return to maximum health as early as possible.

When should I seek medical assistance?

Severe cramps lasting more than two to three hours; a deep cut in the stoma; excessive bleeding from the stoma opening or a moderate amount of blood in the pouch after several emptyings. Also, severe skin irritation or deep ulcers; unusual change in size and appearance; severe watery discharge lasting more than five to six hours. If an ileostomy does not have any output for five to six hours and is accompanied by cramping and nausea or vomiting.

Where can I find help?

Call your surgeon or the GBMC Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurse at 443-849-6215.

Meet our staff:

Colleen Simpson, RN, BSN, CWON has been a registered nurse for over 14 years. She has been treating and consulting on wounds and ostomies since 1999 in acute and home care settings. Prior to joining GBMC she served as a nursing supervisor at a rehabilitation center and practiced wound care. She holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Maryland.

Linda Wells, RN, MPH, BSN, BA, CWON     has been a registered nurse for over 13 years. She has provided wound and ostomy care in out patient, inpatient, and home health settings. She holds   a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Maryland and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Tennessee.

Will my treatment be covered by my insurance?

All patients require a prescription for an "Evaluation and Management at the GBMC Ostomy Program".  The prescription can be from either your    primary care physician or surgeon. Treatment is reimbursable through Medicare, most managed care organizations and private commercial carriers. Some managed care plans may require pre-authorization from your primary care physician.