What is a colostomy?
This page is all about what an colostomy is and what it means for you. We’ll walk through the basics so you feel informed and ready.
Understanding your colostomy and what to expect
A colostomy is an opening formed from your colon (large bowel) and is brought out onto the abdomen, stitched to the skin and opened to form your stoma (colostomy). Your colostomy may be an end (often referred to as permanent) or loop (often referred to as a temporary stoma).
Your surgeon will discuss this in detail with you before your operation and will be able to tell you the type of colostomy they are planning for you.
It is worth noting that sometimes a temporary stoma may become permanent and you may even decide yourself not to undergo reversal surgery. Equally, an end stoma can sometimes also be reversed. Your surgeon and specialist stoma nurse will discuss this with you.
Why you might need a colostomy
A colostomy can be required at any age and is needed as a solution for many different medical conditions including:
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Trauma
- Continence issues
- and many others.
Types of colostomy
An ascending colostomy is an uncommon type of colostomy located in the vertical section of the colon on the right side of the abdomen. Because of its position, the stool output is typically liquid to semi-liquid in consistency.
A transverse colostomy is created in the horizontal section of the colon across the abdomen. The stool output is usually liquid to semi-formed. This type of colostomy is most often constructed as a loop and is typically temporary.
A descending colostomy is located in the vertical section of the colon on the left side of the abdomen. It is a more common type of colostomy, and the stool output is typically semi-formed.
A sigmoid colostomy is created in the lower left portion of the large intestine, just before the rectum. The stool output is typically formed.
Useful links
Featured colostomy products
Esteem Body™ Soft Convex One-Piece Closed-end Pouch - with window
Esteem®+ One-Piece Closed-end pouch
Natura® +Closed-End Pouch
Natura™ Durahesive™ Mouldable Skin Barrier with Accordion Flange
