The colon is part of your large intestine. Your stool (bowel movement) leaves your small intestine and goes into your colon, where it becomes more solid and gets ready to leave your body through your anus.
A colostomy is a surgery done to connect the colon to the surface of the abdomen (belly) to let stool pass into a collection bag outside of the body. This is done because the rectum, anus, or the sphincter that controls the passage of stool has been removed or can't be used.
A stoma (hole) is made in your belly wall for stool to pass from the colon to the collection bag on the outside of your body. The stoma can be seen on the outside of your belly. It is made from your intestine. The stoma should be pink to red in color, warm, and moist. The stoma can secrete (make and release) mucus. There is no longer a sphincter muscle that lets you control the passing of stool. The stool will empty into the collection bag on its own. The location of the stoma depends on the area of the colon that was used to create the stoma. The size of the stoma varies.
Your body can still digest food the same way after having a colostomy. There may be changes in stool consistency based on where the stoma is along the colon.
A colostomy may be permanent (life long) or temporary (short term). Your provider will talk to you about your surgery and plan for colostomy.
A colostomy may be done to treat:
There are a few different types of colostomy that are separated into three groups. Each group of colostomy refers to a part of the colon. They are:
There are risks and side effects related to having a colostomy. Risks and side effects may be:
Your care team will talk with you about the risks of your procedure.
Recovery from a colostomy depends on the type you had. You may spend a few days in the hospital after the procedure.
You will be told how to care for your surgical incisions (cuts) and stoma. You will be given any other instructions before leaving the hospital, like the need for stomal irrigation (flushing). Full instructions on caring for your stoma will be given to you by a specially trained stoma nurse/therapist.
Your care team will talk with you about the medications you will be taking, like those for pain, blood clot, infection, and constipation prevention and/or other conditions.
Your provider will talk to you about any changes in activity. Often, you should:
You may need a family member or friend to help you with your daily tasks until you are feeling better. It may take some time before your team tells you that it is ok to go back to your normal activity.
Be sure to take your prescribed medications as you are told to prevent pain, infection and/or constipation. Call your team with any new or worsening symptoms.
There are ways to manage constipation after your surgery. You can change your diet, drink more fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Talk with your care team before taking any medications for constipation.
Taking deep breaths and resting can help manage pain, keep your lungs healthy after anesthesia, and promote good drainage of lymphatic fluid. Try to do deep breathing and relaxation exercises a few times a day in the first week, or when you notice you are extra tense.
This article contains general information. Please be sure to talk to your care team about your specific plan and recovery.
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