Ostomy procedures are life-saving surgeries to remove part of or all of the natural digestive or urinary systems. Often given to patients who suffer from conditions like Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and congenital defects, the procedure places an artificial stoma through the abdomen to filter bodily waste into a prosthetic pouch commonly known as an ostomy bag. While ostomies may take some getting used to for any patient, they are not known to reduce life expectancy and can greatly improve the quality of life for those who need them most.