Ostomy Outpatient Clinic

Expert Help as You Adjust

Each year, approximately 100,000 people of all ages have surgery resulting in an ostomy. While this life-saving procedure can also seem life changing, people with an ostomy find they can continue their usual activities — attending school, working, playing sports, swimming and enjoying relationships.

Transitioning to daily life after an ostomy isn’t without challenges, and we’re here to help. As Lincoln’s only dedicated Ostomy Outpatient Clinic, CHI Health St. Elizabeth is proud to offer education and support to individuals with stomas (colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy). We also provide care and solutions to people with feeding tubes that are experiencing difficulty at the insertion site.

Our specially-trained nurses provide the trusted, accurate information you need to gain confidence and thrive in your “new normal” life. We know that questions and concerns can arise at any time, so we work with you whenever the need arises — before and long after surgery. 

Before Your Operation

You’ll likely have many questions and concerns before your operation. We’re experienced at addressing:

• Surgical procedures
• Life with a stoma
• Pre-/post-surgery nutrition and hydration
• Ostomy appliances and supplies (how to choose and where to obtain them)
• Stoma marking to determine best placement
• Returning to active lifestyle
• Individual concerns
• Feeding tube insertion site skin care management

After Your Operation

The learning curve continues after stoma placement. We’re here to help with:

• Education on stoma management, self-care, hygiene and skin health
• Care coordination and management for patients with a new and existing stoma, including dietary guidance
• Review of pouching and appliance systems to assure proper fit
• Collaboration with home health and/or rehab facilities for continuity of care after discharge

Continence Management

If you are experiencing incontinence, our experienced nurses perform a complete evaluation to identify contributing factors. A plan of care is developed for each patient to address their specific needs and capabilities. 

Ongoing Support

Adjusting to life with a stoma is easier when you have continued support. We provide education and assistance for:

• Pouching and appliance systems as problems arise
• Skin irritations, peristomal skin damage, infections, ulcers and/or rashes
• Fistula and tube stabilization management
• Lifestyle changes and anxieties related to an ostomy and a feeding tube
• Assistance with ordering supplies
  

Board-certified Nurses Trained for Wound, Ostomy and Continence Care

CHI Health St. Elizabeth Ostomy Outpatient Clinic nurses have received certification in this specialty care from the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board. Less than 10,000 nurses in the U.S. have this certification.