What proportion of the world's ostomies are GI ostomies?

• A. 1/3
• B. 2/3
• C. 1/2
• D. 3/4

Answer: (B)

Two-thirds of ostomies are GI ostomies. This reflects that surgeries creating ileostomies or colostomies—usually for bowel diseases such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticular disease—are more common worldwide than urinary diversions like urostomies. While urinary ostomies are significant and crucial for conditions like bladder cancer or severe neurogenic bladder, the incidence of colorectal diseases requiring ostomy creation has historically been higher, leading to a larger global share of GI ostomies. Region and healthcare practices can influence exact numbers, but the typical global distribution is about two-thirds GI and one-third urinary.