What is a Colostomy? Part 1

The colon is the last 5-6 feet of large bowel which connects to the rectum. The function of the colon is to absorb water and allows for the passage of fecal material into the rectum. In individuals who have problems with the rectum or the colon, the passage of fecal material becomes a problem.

In most cases, the diseased part of the colon is removed and the two ends are connected. However, there are instances when the two ends of the bowel cannot be connected. To allow for the fecal material to be emptied, one end of the colon is then brought out to the skin and this is called a stoma- an opening of the colon which connects to the skin.

Colostomy is a surgical procedure performed to bring out the end of the large intestine through the abdominal wall onto the skin. The stools in the intestine then drain into a bag attached on to the skin surface. Colostomy may sound like a big and complex operation, but in fact the procedure is quite simple and widely performed by many surgeons. Colostomies are often created when there is cancer of the colon or rectum, bowel injuries, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis.

Colostomies can be permanent or temporary. All colostomies are done under general anesthesia. In most cases when bowel is resected the two ends are connected back with sutures or staplers. However, there are times when the two end of the bowel can not be connected back and the one end of the bowel is then brought out to the skin. A specialized drainage bag called a stoma appliance bag is then placed around the skin opening to allow the stools to collect.

Temporary colostomies are generally reversed after 3-4 months. However, in about 10-15% of cases, the colostomy cannot be reversed.