Colostomy

Definition

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings the end of the large intestine through the abdominal wall. Stools moving through the intestine drain into a bag attached to the abdomen. The procedure is usually done after bowel resections or injuries and it may be temporary or permanent.

Alternative Names

Intestinal opening

Indications

There are a number of reasons to perform a colostomy:

  • Intra-abdominal infection, such as perforated diverticulitis

  • Injury to the colon or rectum (for example, a gunshot wound)

  • Rectal cancer

  • Perineal wounds or fistulas

Whether a colostomy is temporary or permanent depends on the specific disease or injury. In most instances, colostomies can be reversed.

Convalescence

Recovery from this type of surgery is mostly related to the condition or procedure for which the colostomy was performed.Most patients are started on a special diet within 48 hours of surgery.Learning to care for the colostomy and the ostomy appliance will be necessary.

Expectations after surgery

The colostomy functions to drain stool (feces) from the colon into the colostomy bag. Most colostomy stool is softer and more liquid than stool that is passed normally. The degree of liquidity of the stool depends on the location of the intestinal segment used to form the colostomy.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Additional risks are:

  • Narrowing or obstruction of the colostomy opening (stoma)
  • Development of a hernia at the incision site
  • Skin irritation
Colostomy - series
Colostomy - series
Review Date: 1/18/2007
Reviewed By: Melvin Sidney Dassinger, III, MD, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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