In either area, the opening is called a stoma. While you have an ostomy, bowel movements will drain through the stoma and into a pouch on your abdomen.
Ostomies can be temporary or permanent, depending on the type of disorder involved.
There are many kinds of pouches for use with an ostomy. With time, you can decide what type works best for you. You will need to empty the pouch 4 to 6 times a day if you have an ileostomy, and 1 or more times a day if you have a colostomy. For both types, you'll need to change the pouch every 4 to 6 days, and clean it if you reuse it. You'll also have to care for the stoma and the skin around it.