When your body can't get rid of waste in the normal way, you may need an ostomy. This can happen because of a disease or following a medical procedure. An ostomy is an opening that is created surgically somewhere on the body to help get rid of stool or urine. The waste is collected in a removable bag, called a pouch. The pouch is on the outside of the body and can be emptied as needed.
Learn more about living with an ostomy
Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital offer comprehensive ostomy care services to both pediatric and adult ostomy patients.
Our patients receive specialized care from a team of registered nurses with advanced training in wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) disorders.
Our nurses are part of a prestigious group of medical professionals who have graduated from an accredited program to earn their advanced certification in WOC. In keeping with their commitment to patient care and education, they are re-certified every five years.