Colostomy

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A colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, leaving the patient with an opening on the abdomen called a stoma. This opening is formed from the end of the large intestine drawn out through the incision and sutured to the skin. Following colostomy, feces leave the patient's body through the stoma, and collect in a bag attached to the patient's belly which can be changed as required.

There are two main reasons for this procedure: either the lower end of the colon has had to be removed, for example owing to a bowel cancer, so that it is no longer possible for feces to pass out via the anus; or a portion of the colon has been operated upon and needs to be 'rested' until it is healed. In the latter case, the colostomy is temporary and is usually reversed at a later date, leaving the patient with a small scar where the stoma was.

Colostomies were in the past greatly dreaded as it was difficult to hide the smell of feces and changing the bag and even keeping it securely attached was very difficult. However modern colostomy bags are well-designed and allow stoma patients to continue normal activities including sports and sexual activity.

Placement of the stoma on the abdomen is one of the main factors predicting the success of the stoma, and for this reason colostomies which are planned ahead have a higher rate of long-term success and satisfaction than those done in emergency surgery.

See also

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