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Overview A
colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings a portion of the large intestine
through the abdominal wall to carry feces out of the body. A
colostomy is a means to treat various disorders of the large intestine, including
cancer, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, ruptured diverticulum, ischemia
(compromised blood supply), or traumatic injury. Temporary
colostomies are created to divert stool from injured or diseased portions of the
large intestine, allowing rest and healing. Permanent
colostomies are performed when the distal bowel (at the farthest distance) must
be removed or is blocked and inoperable. Although
colorectal cancer is the most common indication for a permanent colostomy, only
about 10-15% of patients with this diagnosis require a colostomy. <<back |