Colostomy

An operation in which part of the colon is brought through an incision in the abdominal wall and formed into a stoma, an artificial opening through which faeces are discharged into a bag attached to the skin. A temporary colostomy may be performed at the same time as a colectomy to allow the colon to heal without faeces passing through it. The colostomy is closed when the rejoined colon has healed. A permanent colostomy is needed if the rectum or anus has been removed.