Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through the abdominal wall. Stools moving through the intestine drain into a bag attached to the abdomen.

Intestinal opening

The procedure is usually done after:

• Bowel blockage (obstruction)
• Bowel resection
• Injuries

The colostomy may be short-term or permanent.

Colostomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). It may either be done with a large surgical cut in the abdomen, or with a small camera and several small cuts (laparoscopy).

The type of approach used depends on what other procedure done needs to be done. In general, the surgical cut is made in the middle of the abdomen. The bowel resection or repair is done as needed.

See also:

• Intestinal obstruction repair
• Large bowel resection

For the colostomy, one end of the healthy colon is brought out through the abdomen wall, usually on the left side. The edges of bowel are stitched to the skin of the abdomen wall. A bag called a stoma appliance is placed around the opening to allow stool to drain.

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Colostomy Risks

Review Date: 05/06/2011
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)