Sign in

or Register now

MyIBDCentral.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Friday, October, 30, 2009

What Is A Colostomy

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 opening


Description

The procedure is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). It may be do...

Read more »

Expert & Community Posts

45_8217
Insurance Problems for Those with Incontinence
By Jasmine Schmidt , Health Expert

What boils your blood? How about insurance refusing to cover absorbent products for incontinence... Read more »

50082_7784
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer
By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

...cancer. If I do have colon cancer, will I need a colostomy bag?  While every case is different,... Read more »

1852_9815
Living with Quiggles: Trying to Pass as Normal
By Cheryle Gartley , Health Expert

...or near the door." - reported by a person with a colostomy. Individuals who are managing stigma... Read more »

28524
Ahh, The sweet sound of ringing...
By Gina Capone , Health Expert

Well everyone, I am hooked back up to my CGM, and with brand new tape! I decided to use the... Read more »

50082_7784
Introducing Dr. Todd Eisner
By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

...alllow removal of the colon without the need for a colostomy bag. Crohn's disease, on the other... Read more »

Health Guide

Colostomy
...Alternative Names Intestinal opening Expectations after surgery The colostomy functions to drain stool (feces) from the colon into the colostomy bag. Most colostomy... Read more »
Colon and Rectal Cancers: Surgery
...anastomosis.If the surgeon cannot reconnect the intestine, usually because of infection or obstruction, a colostomy is performed. The need for colostomies is higher after surgery for rectal... Read more »
Colostomy
...are: Bleeding Infection Additional risks are: Narrowing or obstruction of the colostomy opening (stoma) Development of a hernia at the incision site Skin... Read more »
Bowel resection
...heal, a temporary opening of the colon through the abdominal wall may be created. This is called a colostomy. The end of the bowel near the small intestine is then passed through the abdominal... Read more »
Bowel resection
...Leakage from the reconnection of the intestine Some cases may result in the permanent need for a colostomy bag. Read more »

Medications

Mmw01200_53502_5

...decreased sexual ability diarrhea if you have a colostomy or ileostomy A very serious... Read more »

Tev00240_90297_5

...An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool (or colostomy bag), but it is harmless. A very... Read more »

Related News

The Digital Dentist
February 16, 2007

VENICE, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- White, shiny and straight. If you want a better smile or better teeth, now you can see how dental work will... Read summary »

Heart Failure Patients Unrealistic
June 16, 2008

By Kirsten Houmann, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent 1531 ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Patients with heart failure often overestimate their life... Read summary »

Mom?s Diet Can Cause Asthma?
November 20, 2008

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A mother who has a diet rich in folate, an important prenatal supplement, could increase the chance that her infant will suffer... Read summary »

Fighting HIV
August 27, 2007

DURHAM, N.C. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- There are more than 1 million people living with HIV right now in the United States. Last year, nearly... Read summary »

Compulsive Clutter?
April 13, 2007

SAN DIEGO (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Shawn Mowad's garage is full of clothes, boxes and papers piled high. In her living room, most of the clutter... Read summary »