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ICD-10 code:
ICD-9 code: 46.1
MeSH D003125
Other codes:


Additional recommended knowledge



There are many reasons for this procedure: a section of the colon has had to be removed, e.g. due to colon cancer requiring a total mesorectal excision, diverticulitis, injury, etc, so that it is no longer possible for feces to pass out via the anus; or a portion of the colon (or ileum) has been operated upon and needs to be 'rested' until it is healed. In the latter case, the colostomy is often temporary and is usually reversed at a later date, leaving the patient with a small scar where the stoma was.


Colostomies are viewed negatively due to the misconception that it is difficult to hide the pouch and the smell of feces, or to keep the pouch securely attached.[citation needed] However, modern colostomy pouches are well-designed, odor-proof, and allow stoma patients to continue normal activities. Latex-free tape is available for ensuring a secure attachment.


Placement of the stoma on the abdomen can occur at any location along the colon, the majority being on the lower left side near or in the sigmoid colon, other locations include; the ascending, transverse, and descending sections of the colon.[citation needed] Colostomy surgery that can be planned ahead often has a higher rate of long-term success and satisfaction than those done in emergency surgery.[citation needed]

Living with a colostomy



In some rare situations it may be possible to opt for an internal colo-anal pouch which eliminates the need for an external pouch.[citation needed]In place of an external appliance, an internal ileo-anal pouch is constructed using a portion of the patient's lower intestine, to act as a new rectum to replace the removed original.

See also


  • United Ostomy Associations of America

stomach: Gastrostomy (Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) - Gastrectomy - Gastric bypass surgery - Gastroenterostomy - Nissen fundoplication

lower GI: Duodenal switch - Colectomy - Colostomy - Ileostomy - Jejunoileal bypass - Appendicectomy

endoscopy: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - Colonoscopy - Proctoscopy - Sigmoidoscopy
Accessoryliver: Hepatectomy - Liver transplantation - Artificial extracorporeal liver support (Liver dialysis, Bioartificial liver devices)

gallbladder/bile duct: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography - Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography - Cholecystectomy

pancreas: Pancreatectomy - Pancreaticoduodenectomy - Pancreas transplantation - Puestow procedure - Frey's procedure
OtherHerniorrhaphy - Laparotomy - Paracentesis
  This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Colostomy". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia.