For many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, surgery can bring lifesaving treatment but also lasting changes.

For the thousands of people suffering from bladder or digestive diseases, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis, an ostomy can be the start of a new and healthier life.

SAGINAW, MI — Before Shontee R. McMillan was a model, she was self-conscious, depressed and suicidal as a result of a surgery that left her with an ostomy bag. She was diagnosed with rectal cancer in ...

Additionally, there is a Quad-City chapter of the United Ostomy Association of America, which is based in Roseville, Minn. This organization helps patients live a normal life after surgery. It also ...

As a nurse, people often ask me if I specialize in a specific area of medical care. When I tell them I am a wound, ostomy and continence nurse, most ask, “what is an ostomy?” An ostomy is a surgical ...