Elise Sørensen

Overview

Elise Sørensen, a dedicated Danish nurse, lived a life profoundly marked by empathy and innovation. Witnessing firsthand the suffering and social isolation experienced by ostomy patients, she channeled her compassion and problem-solving skills to create the colostomy bag, a device that revolutionized ostomy care and dramatically improved the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. Her story is a testament to the power of observation, dedication, and the enduring impact of a single person's commitment to alleviating human suffering.

Main Milestones

Birth in Kalundborg, Denmark

July 2, 1903

Elise Sørensen was born in the coastal town of Kalundborg, Denmark. Her early life provided the foundation for her future career in nursing, instilling in her a strong sense of community and care for others. This grounding was crucial as she developed the compassion and empathy that would drive her later innovations.

Nursing Education and Early Career

Early 1920s

Elise pursued a career in nursing, dedicating herself to patient care. During this period, she began to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with various medical conditions. This practical experience in the medical field laid the groundwork for her later innovative contributions.

Witnessing the Plight of Ostomy Patients

1950s

Working as a nurse, Elise became acutely aware of the physical and psychological difficulties faced by patients who had undergone ostomy surgery. The existing solutions for managing waste were often inadequate, leading to leakage, skin irritation, and significant social stigma. This period was pivotal, as it ignited her determination to find a better solution.

Inspiration from her Sister's Ostomy Surgery

Late 1950s

The personal experience of her sister undergoing an ostomy procedure further fueled Elise's motivation. The struggles her sister faced reinforced the urgency and importance of finding a more effective and dignified solution. This personal connection transformed her professional concern into a deeply personal mission.

Development of the First Colostomy Bag

1954

Elise, driven by her compassion and innovative spirit, began experimenting with different materials and designs to create a more reliable and user-friendly ostomy bag. She focused on creating a leak-proof, odor-resistant, and discreet device that would improve the quality of life for ostomy patients. She is credited as the inventor of the disposable colostomy bag.

Refining and Testing the Design

Late 1950s - Early 1960s

Elise meticulously refined her design, testing different materials and securing airtight closures. Through careful observation and feedback, she honed the device to meet the needs of patients. This period was critical to ensuring the practicality and effectiveness of her invention.

Commercialization and Widespread Adoption

1960s

Elise's colostomy bag was gradually introduced to the market. Its superior design and performance led to its widespread adoption by hospitals and patients. This marked a turning point in ostomy care, as patients experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Death in Ordrup, Denmark

July 5, 1977

Elise Sørensen passed away in Ordrup, Denmark. Her legacy as the inventor of the colostomy bag endures, and her contribution continues to positively impact the lives of ostomy patients worldwide. She is remembered as a compassionate nurse and a groundbreaking innovator.

Other Themed Timelines

Collaboration with Aage Louis-Hansen and Coloplast

Early Life and Education

Impact and Legacy

Invention and Development of the Colostomy Bag

Later Life and Death

Nursing Career and the Inspiration for the Colostomy Bag

Personal Life and Relationships

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines