Surgery
Stoma
Ostomy, colostomy, ileostomyOpening of the bowel onto the abdominal wall to divert transit into a bag. It may be temporary, to protect an anastomosis while it heals, or permanent.
An anastomosis needs a good blood supply, absence of tension and the capacity to heal. When any of these factors fails, a protective stoma is created to divert transit while the join heals.
An ileostomy brings out the small bowel and is usually temporary; a colostomy brings out the colon and may be temporary or permanent. A stoma is permanent when there is no functioning sphincter left or when restoring transit would not be safe.
Closure of a temporary stoma is considered once healing of the anastomosis has been confirmed, usually between two and six months later.
This explanation is intended as general information and does not replace a specialist assessment of an individual case.
‹ Back to the full glossaryNeed to speak with a specialist?
Complete the form and schedule your appointment to speak directly with the surgeon.