What is a colostomy?
The colon, rectum and anus are the last sections of the body’s digestive system.
Although they are an important part of the system, they have little to do with
digesting food or absorbing nutrients. In fact, the large intestine can be
thought of as the body’s trash compactor. As "leftover" liquid flows through the
colon, it becomes solid waste (feces). The waste material is passed through the
various sections of the colon, then moves onward to the rectum. From there, it
is eliminated from the body through the anus.
When the colon, rectum or anus is unable to function normally
because of disease or injury, or needs to rest from normal function, the body
must have another way to eliminate the waste. A colostomy is an opening in the
large intestine that is brought out onto the surface of the abdomen. This
provides a new path for waste material and gas to leave the body. The colostomy
opening is also called a stoma. It can be permanent or temporary.
Why is a colostomy performed?
There are many reasons why a colostomy becomes necessary. Some of the conditions
that may require a colostomy include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Traumatic injury
- Intestinal obstruction
- Diverticulitis (an inflammation or infection of small sacs or
outpouchings, called diverticula, of the inner lining of the intestine)
- Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that involves all layers
of the intestinal wall and can disrupt normal bowel function)
- Incontinence or constipation
How is a colostomy performed?
A colostomy results from a surgical procedure performed under general
anesthesia. During the surgery, healthy colon is brought through an opening in
the abdominal wall and stitched to your skin. Unlike the anus, the opening
(stoma) has no sphincter muscle, so you cannot control the exit of waste. You
will need to wear a pouch (called an ostomy collecting device) to collect the
waste flow.
Is a colostomy permanent?
A colostomy can be permanent or temporary, depending on the condition being
treated and the surgery performed. A temporary colostomy may be done to allow
part of the intestine to rest and heal.
How will a colostomy change my life?
For most colorectal patients, a colostomy will not be needed. Today’s modern
surgical techniques and instruments have decreased the number of operations that
require a colostomy. Only 10% of patients with rectal cancer and less than 1%
with colon cancer will ever need a permanent colostomy. If you do need to have a
colostomy, there will be some changes in your lifestyle, but you will receive
education to help manage and adjust to these changes.