What is a colostomy?
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an alternate outlet for stool. For it, a surgeon connects a part of the intestine to an opening in the abdominal wall. This opening is called a stoma. This connection gives stool a new way to leave the body. Afterward, the person wears a special bag to collect stool. For most people, this is temporary. After they heal from surgery, they no longer need the bag. For a few, about one out of every 6, the stoma and bag are permanent. Most surgeons attempt to maintain a functioning anus so that a permanent stoma is not needed.
