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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.

Alternative Names

Intestinal opening

Description

The 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.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

  • Problems breathing
  • Reactions to medications

Risks for any surgery are:

  • Bleeding

Additional risks are:

  • Bleeding inside your belly
  • Damage to nearby organs
  • Development of a hernia at the incision site
  • Infection, particularly in the lungs, urinary tract, or belly
  • Narrowing or obstruction of the colostomy opening (stoma)
  • Scar tissue forming in your belly and causing intestinal blockage
  • Skin irritation
  • Wound breaking open
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.
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