What procedure is performed for a patient with a colostomy?

The procedure performed for a patient with a colostomy involves directing the large intestine out through a stoma. A colostomy is a surgical intervention that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall, allowing stool to exit the body from the large intestine instead of through the rectum. This procedure is typically necessary when part of the large intestine is diseased or needs to be bypassed due to conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or trauma.

By creating a stoma, the colostomy provides a new pathway for waste elimination, which is crucial for maintaining the patient’s health and hygiene when normal bowel function is disrupted. Those living with a colostomy will use a specialized collection bag attached to the stoma to manage waste, promoting a better quality of life despite the underlying medical issues that necessitated the colostomy.