Colostomy

A colostomy is a procedure in which one end of the large intestine is re-routed through the abdominal wall so that waste material (stool) can be drained into an exterior bag that is attached to the abdomen. This operation is often performed as a temporary measure to enable treatment of an abdominal infection, traumatic injury, bowel blockage, rectal/colon cancer, or fistulas or other wounds affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. It may also be required when a portion of the bowel must be removed due to injury or disease. Patients who receive a temporary colostomy are typically able to have a second surgery to close the stoma (opening in the abdominal wall) and reconnect the end of the large intestine after about 12 weeks.