| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Surgical procedure that creates an opening on the abdomen (stoma) for the drainage of stool (feces) from the large intestine (colon). Usually done after bowel resection . May be temporary or permanent. |
| Alternative Names | Intestinal opening |
| Description | The procedure is done while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). An incision is made in the abdomen and the bowel resection is performed. The proximal end of the healthy bowel tissue is then passed through the abdominal wall and the edges are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall (colostomy). An adhesive drainage bag (stoma appliance) is placed around the opening. The abdominal incision is closed. |
| Indications | A colostomy is done when the lower large intestine, rectum, or anus is unable to function normally or needs rest from normal functions, or when infection or contamination from stool within the resected colon would prevent healing if the ends of the colon were to be reconnected. In most cases, depending on the disease process being treated, colostomies are temporary, and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, or the distal end of the colon is too diseased to reconnect to the proximal intestine, the colostomy may be permanent. |
| 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 |
| 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 that normally passed stool. The degree of liquidity of the stool depends on the location of the intestinal segment used to form the colostomy. |
| Convalescence | Hospital stay is estimated to be 7 to 10 days. After 2 to 4 days, the patient will be able to resume eating. Complete healing may take 1 to 2 months. Learning to clean the abdomen and change the colostomy bag will be necessary. Most people can eventually change the bag at regular and convenient times. |
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