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.

Ostomy Services

We provide the following ostomy services:

  • Pre-surgical ostomy site marking (for patients having surgery at an Inova hospital)
  • Pre-surgical education
    Patients will be given a pouching system to take home, informational brochures on the type of ostomy they will have (ileostomy, urostomy or colostomy) and how to care for their ostomy. Nurses will discuss clothing, lifestyle, exercise and dietary needs, as well as potential benefits and complications, both short- and long-term.
  • Post-surgical care and education
    Patients receive written home instructions, videos, pamphlets, information on how to obtain supplies and a description of the various pouching systems currently available. Patients with a colostomy may return, if necessary, to learn about irrigations (a bowel management program).
  • Appliance fitting and adjustments
    We offer problem-solving assistance for stomas that are poorly placed or constructed, flushed or retracted, as well as help with irregular abdominal contours. The goal is to obtain a minimal three-day wearing time.
  • Ostomy and peristomal skin assessments and treatments
  • One-on-one education for family and friends

Meet Our Team

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 (Wound, Ostomy and Continence). In keeping with their commitment to patient care and education, they are re-certified every five years.

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

  • Sandra Harris, RN, BSN, CWCN
  • Mandy McGee, RN, BSN, CWOCN

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

  • Linda Arundel BSN, RN CWOCN
  • Bernice Ianacone, RN, BSN

Online Resources

Contact Us

Please call us to learn more about Inova's Ostomy Care Program or to schedule an appointment.

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

We are only offering inpatient service at this time

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

703-391-3500, option 4
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.