Colostomy, << kuh LOS tuh mee, >> is a surgical procedure that creates an opening between the colon (part of the large intestine) and the surface of the body. Patients usually must wear a bag over the opening to collect stool (solid waste matter) from the digestive tract. Normally, stool is expelled from the body through the anus, an opening at the lower end of the large intestine.
A colostomy may be permanent or temporary. Permanent colostomies are most common in patients with cancer of the rectum or colon. Treatment of the cancer may require disconnecting the colon from the anal canal to remove the diseased section of the intestine, and reconnection may not be possible. Other conditions that may necessitate a permanent colostomy include severe cases of diseases that inflame or infect the colon, such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, or ulcerative colitis. Surgeons often create temporary colostomies in emergencies–for example, to remove intestinal blockages or repair gunshot or stab wounds. The colostomy is removed after the colon heals.
In most permanent colostomies, doctors divide the colon and stitch one end to an opening made in the skin at the abdomen. This is called an end colostomy. Most temporary colostomies are loop colostomies. In this type, a loop of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall, opened, and stitched to the skin.
Patients can learn to live with colostomies with a minimum of inconvenience. Specially trained nurses teach patients how to take care of the colostomy and surrounding skin. Many patients get advice and emotional support from other colostomy patients.
