Health Encyclopedia
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 openingDescription
The procedure is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). It may be done with invasive, open surgery or laparoscopically (several small incisions). The type of approach used depends upon what other procedure needs to be performed. In general, the incision is made in the abdomen, and the bowel resection or repair is performed as needed.
For the colostomy, the end of the healthy colon is brought through the abdominal wall, and the edges are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall. An adhesive drainage bag called a stoma appliance is secured around the opening to allow the drainage of stool.
Why the Procedure is Performed
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.
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
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Recovery
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.
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.
