Colostomy Surgery
A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine to divert waste from your digestive system. After you have this surgery, you will pass waste through a stoma that is located on your abdomen.
The location of your colostomy is determined by the location of the damaged portion of your colon or to divert stool from a wound in the perianal area. The pictures below demonstrate the different areas in which a colostomy can be placed. Depending on placement and reason for the stoma, these can be permanent or temporary.1
The location of your colostomy is determined by the location of the damaged portion of your colon or to divert stool from a wound in the perianal area. The pictures below demonstrate the different areas in which a colostomy can be placed. Depending on placement and reason for the stoma, these can be permanent or temporary.1
Ascending Colostomy
- In the ascending (vertical section, on your right) colon
- Uncommon type of colostomy
- Stool is liquid to semi-liquid 1
Transverse Colostomy
- In the transverse (horizontal section, across the abdomen) colon
- Stool is liquid to semi-formed
- Usually constructed as a loop
- Usually temporary1
Descending Colostomy
- In the descending (vertical section, on your left) colon
- A more common type of colostomy
- Stool is semi-formed 1
Sigmoid Colostomy
- In the lower left portion of the large intestine on your left, just before the rectum
- Stool is formed 1
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