Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Colostomy - series: Procedure, part1

 Procedure, part1

Colostomy - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indication
  • Procedure, part1
  • Procedure, part 2
  • Aftercare

    • A colostomy creates an opening on the abdomen (stoma) for the drainage of stool (feces) from the large intestine (colon). Colostomies are usually performed after the diseased colon has been removed.

    Colostomies may be temporary or permanent. While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the abdomen. The diseased colon is removed.

    Update Date: 5/15/2008

    Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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