By Joseph Ebberwein, CFO
Today, October 2, 2021, is World Ostomy Day. Every three years, we not only pause to acknowledge all those individuals around the world living with an ostomy, but also to advocate and spread awareness about this often life-saving procedure.
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that diverts either urine or stool to an outside opening or stoma. These procedures are performed to treat diseases such as colon and bladder cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or traumatic injuries.
U.S. Ostomy Facts
1M - Number of people in the U.S. living with an ostomy
250K - Number of annual ostomy surgeries
120 - Average days to heal ostomy skin complications
80% - Complications preventable with education, care, and screening
20%-30% - 30-day readmission rates for new ostomies
*For additional facts and figures on U.S. ostomies, see the United Ostomy Association of America’s (UOAA) Ostomy 101 Infographic.
While often life-saving, ostomy surgery is always life-changing. New ostomates must adjust both physically and psychologically to the challenges of living with an ostomy. There are specialist nurses who are trained and certified to assist ostomates with their care - these are Ostomy or WOC (Wound, Ostomy, Continence) Nurses. They are a resource for ostomates to provide initial and ongoing ostomy care education, consultation, and troubleshooting.
But, these WOC/Ostomy nurses are scarce. There are only 6,000 of them in the U.S. and 90% of these work in the hospital. Ostomates struggle to find access to these resources after leaving the hospital. Ostomy clinics are limited in number and often found in only larger metropolitan areas with limited availability to ostomates who need these services the most.
On this World Ostomy Day, Corstrata is pleased to formally announce that we have a solution for those ostomates needing access to a WOC/Ostomy nurse. Our board-certified Ostomy Nurses are here to help. Visit our www.corstrata.com/consumers to learn more about our services.
Hear what some ostomates are saying about our services:
“This whole experience has been awesome...I feel more confident
knowing what is normal for my skin and appreciated all the feedback. I think
this is the best and smoothest process...Just being able to see a
professional while in my home was so convenient.”
“Knowing that professional, expert assistance was available with a phone call made me feel like someone ‘had my back’ and was there for support anytime I needed it. I live in a very rural location where medical and nursing specialties are not available without a 2-hour drive, so the service provided by Corstrata was invaluable to me! The support...provided for me helped me get through a difficult and emotional event in my life, and my appreciation for them is beyond measure! Thank you for your kindness!