Background: An ostomy is performed via a surgical procedure located on the inside of the abdomen and handles stool or urine not taking place normally. Ostomy is caused by various diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or other type of injury. There is a lack of studies of how a stoma is experienced and to support each patient in their new life situation, nurses need more knowledge of how patients experience their stoma in daily life.

Aim: To describe patients' experiences of living with an ostomy.

Method: The method is a literature-based study focusing on qualitative studies analyzed according to Friberg's five-step model.

Results:The results showed that stoma formation leads to both negative and positive emotions, in terms of body appearance and a socially limited life. They felt abnormal due to the body change of the stoma and felt ashamed due to the new body image. Feelings of discomfort, fear and insecurity limited many patients' social lives due to leakage from the stoma and many patients felt a lack of training and information about stoma. The need for information and support from the nurses played a major role in their mood.

Conclusion: Ostomy formation leads to both negative and positive feelings, regarding body appearance, socially restricted life and lifestyle. Family and friends are important in helping them with ostomy care, but it is also important that nurses have the knowledge to help and promote the health of these patients living with a stoma.