Show Me Where Bowel and colorectal Stomas

Stoma explorer

A 3D picture to support a conversation with your stoma nurse or surgical team. It does not diagnose or recommend treatment.

All topics Guide

For the clinical team

Show the stoma

The model starts with the digestive system as it usually is, with no stoma. Choose the stoma that is planned or in place.

Stoma

Type of stoma

Ileostomies are usually on the right, colostomies on the left. The exact position is marked by the stoma nurse.

Show the bag Show output moving into the bag Bulge around the stoma (parastomal hernia)

Tip

Use Inside the abdomen to show which part of the bowel is used, and Close-up to show the stoma and bag. Turn the bag off to show the stoma itself.

Drag to turn · scroll or pinch to zoom

In plain words

This stoma

Living with a stoma

Bags: Bags stick to the skin around the stoma. Some are emptied through an outlet at the bottom, others are changed when full. Your stoma nurse will help you find ones that suit you.
Everyday life: Most people can go back to work, exercise, swim, travel and have sex with a stoma. The bag lies flat under clothes.
Eating and drinking: You can usually eat a normal diet after recovery. With an ileostomy, drink plenty, as more water is lost.
Your stoma nurse: Is there for you before and after surgery, and is the first person to ask about anything to do with your stoma.

Share with the patient

Make a picture sheet to send

Set up each view you want, then press Snapshot above the model. You can add up to 4. If you add none, the current view is used.

Prepared for (optional)

Stoma nurse (optional)

Note for the patient (optional)

Include the plain-words summary Include living with a stoma Include where to get help and information Add a page explaining the labels in plain English Add a QR code that reopens this picture (holds the model settings only, never the name or notes)

Names and notes typed here never leave this device and are forgotten when you close the page. Check the sheet before sending, and use your organisation's approved secure route.

For the patient and family

Help and information

If your stoma turns dark red, purple or black, stops working with tummy pain or sickness, or you feel very unwell, contact your stoma nurse or GP urgently, or call NHS 111.

The QR code lets the patient open this site on their own phone. Nothing about this appointment goes with it.

This is a simplified teaching model. Shapes and sizes are approximate and will differ from any one person. It does not replace the examination or the advice of the person treating you. Not a medical device · Nothing is saved.