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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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ColostomyDefinitionColostomy 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. Alternative NamesIntestinal opening DescriptionThe procedure is usually done after bowel resections or injuries and it may be temporary or permanent. Colostomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). It may be done with invasive, open surgery or several small surgical cuts (laparoscopically). The type of approach used depends on what othe operation needs to be performed. In general, the incision (cut) is made in the abdomen. The bowel resection or repair is performed as needed. See also: Large bowel resection and Intestinal obstruction repair. For the colostomy, the end of the healthy colon is brought through the abdominal wall. The edges are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall. A bag called a stoma appliance is secured around the opening to allow stool to drain. Your colostomy may be short-term. If you have surgery on part of your large intestine, a colostomy will allow the remainder of your intestine to rest for a while while you recover. Once your body has fully recovered from the initial surgery, you will have another surgery to reattach the ends of the large intestine. Why the Procedure Is PerformedThere are a number of reasons to perform a colostomy:
Whether a colostomy is temporary or permanent depends on the specific disease or injury. In most instances, colostomies can be reversed. RisksRisks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for any surgery are:
Additional risks are:
After the ProcedureYou will be in the hospital from 3 to 7 days. You may have to stay longer if your colostomy was an emergency operation. You may be able to suck on ice chips on the same day as your surgery to ease your thirst. By the next day, you will probably be allowed to drink clear liquids. Your health care providers will slowly add thicker fluids and then soft foods as your bowels begin to work again. You may be eating normally within 2 days after your surgery. The colostomy drains stool (feces) from the colon into the colostomy bag. Most colostomy stool is softer and more liquid than stool that is passed normally. How liquid the stool is depends on the location of the segment of intestine used to form the colostomy. Outlook (Prognosis)You'll need to learn how to care for the colostomy and ostomy appliance. ReferencesFry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, et al. Colon and Rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 50. Cima RR, Pemberton JH. Ileostomy, Colostomy, and Pouches. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 110. Review Date: 6/25/2009
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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