Overview

An ostomy, or stoma, is a surgically created opening between the intestines and the abdominal wall. Ostomies can be temporary or permanent.

Ostomy Types

  • Ileostomy: Connects the last part of the small intestines (ileum) to the abdominal wall.
  • Colostomy: Connects a part of the colon (large intestine) to the abdominal wall.

Diagnosis

Ostomies can be caused by the following conditions:

  • Cancer
  • Trauma
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Infection
  • Fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements)
  • Diverticular disease (small bulges or sacs that form in the wall of the large intestine)

Treatment

Dietary Restrictions: Depending on the type of ostomy, you may need to change what you eat to control the number of and consistency of bowel movements. You will learn to monitor the effect of food on ostomy function. After a period of time, many patients are able to slowly introduce foods back into their diets. It helps to chew food well, drink plenty of fluids and avoid certain high roughage foods, such as green leafy vegetables. After recovering from surgery, most patients do not have dietary limitations.

ASCRS: Ostomy

United Ostomy Associations of America

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What They Are Saying

Bernie W.
Excellent staff.
Sally G.
Even though it's a medical procedure : from the time you checkin to the time you leave is absolutely a warm caring atmosphere.
Jennifer M.
Everybody that works there is great. Quickest and best experience for something not so fun to have. Staff is amazing and so is dr. Willie
Ramona M.
Dr. Quallich and his Team is very friendly. He and his team members are very helpful. He takes time with patience. I also feel that I am in very good hands professionally.
Anna C.
The nurses are so good getting back to you with questions and refills. Front desk is great getting you to the person you need to talk to. Dr Bolonga is always great.
Kathy T.
Dr. Wille and all the staff are so kind, helpful, and skilled.
Stephen P.
Top notch center for care.Dr Donat is an excellent physician and has been my GI doctor for over 20 years.The staff could not have been any nicer and made the process easy.I would recommend the center and physicians there without any hesitation.
Robin L.
Easy scheduling, front office very friendly. Doctor listened
Dean R.
I was able to check in right away when I arrived and was actually on schedule for the whole procedure and out without any problems.
Matt P.
Great staff, quick and easy
Paul G.
Long term patient. Would definitely recommend.
Sharyn C.
Staff very friendly & helpful. Love Dr. Wille
Len L.
The staff at the center are just the best. I can't say it any other way. You are treated with great care. Dr Len Qualich is the best. Don't put off the Colonoscopy that could save your life.
Marcia L.
All staff was very kind and helpful. My visit with Dr Bakken was right on time. She made things very comfortable and didn't rush through our appointment.
Lucille S.
The staff was amazing right from the check in to Discharge! Dr Weber is a kind man and explains everything to you. He also listened to what my concerns were with no judgement.
Kate V.
Everyone was great from the time I walked in the door. Everything went very smooth and they were very nice and considerate before, during and after my procedure.
Scott W.
Thorn experience that I think most people aren't looking forward to this office was extremely friendly personable to make this ultimately a good experience. The front desk receptionist was extremely personable The technician in my room was friendly and personable and the anesthesiologist was personal for the one minute that I talked to her.
Sharon M.
Quick efficient friendly. If I have to have another will go back to this clinic.
Peggy N.
Can't say enough kind words for the care and kindness from both Dr. Bologna and his staff.
Julie P.
Everyone is so kind and polite. They treat you so well I couldn’t say much more than that. It’s a great place!
Teresa S.
Dr. Donat is one of most caring and thoughtful doctors in this practice. He takes time with his patients and is thorough in his medical explanations. His entire staff from the receptionist to the nurse anesthetist to the nurse in pre and post surgical, to staff in the office and infusion center....they are all top -notch medical professionals. I highly recommend this well managed, patient-centered practice. Kudos CDH!
Ingrid H.
Wonderful, kind staff. The entire experience put my mind at ease and I am so grateful.
Kimball C.
The prep team was great. They made me feel comfortable and cared for.
Richard M.
Everything went well. Everyone attending me were professional and pleasant. Overall: excellent experience.
Salli D.
All the staff are kind & compassionate, they go above and beyond to make you comfortable and at ease.
Maria S.
Dr. Quallich is very comforting when you are not feeling well, which I so appreciate.
Sarah S.
My doctor and staff did an excellent job of communicating and helping me feel comfortable during my procedure!
Mary Ann G.
The staff is very efficient! Dr. Bakken is very, very thorough. I highly recommend the center for digestive health, specifically, Dr. Bakken
Doug G.
Cindy, Lauren and Ashley were welcoming and professional. Dr Nandi is always a great choice!

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

Christina N. Brown, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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