Surgery Overview
After a surgeon has removed the diseased part
of your bowel during an operation called a bowel resection, he or she will then
sew the two healthy ends of your bowel back together. Sometimes the bowel
tissue needs more time to heal before the reattachment, so a temporary
colostomy is needed. Sometimes the entire lower colon or rectum is removed
because it is diseased. In those cases, the colostomy will be permanent.
To perform a colostomy, the surgeon makes an opening through the skin on
your abdomen and connects your bowel to that opening. This opening is called a
stoma or, sometimes, a colostomy. Your stool passes out of your body through
the opening. A disposable bag is attached over the opening to collect
stool.
What To Expect After Surgery
A colostomy usually requires
general anesthesia and a hospital stay of 3 days to 2
weeks. You may have a colostomy immediately after other surgery. You can expect
some discomfort during the first few days after surgery. This is usually
controllable with home treatment and drugs.
After the colostomy,
a plastic bag called a
colostomy pouch is taped over the opening on the
outside of your body. You will be taught how to take care of your colostomy
pouch and how to watch for infection. With proper care, you should be able to
return to normal but nonstrenuous activities within a few months.
- Bowel Disease: Caring for Your Colostomy
Why It Is Done
A colostomy is done when part of your
colon or rectum has been removed and the part that remains cannot function
normally. A colostomy may be done as part of an operation to treat
colorectal cancer.
How Well It Works
A colostomy successfully moves your
stool out of your body after part of your colon or rectum has been surgically
removed and what remains of your colon or rectum cannot do the job.
Risks
The colostomy opening can become infected. To
prevent this, keep your skin under the pouch clean and dry.
What To Think About
You probably will feel tired after
the colostomy. You will need a few months to regain your strength.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery