Ostomy Creation

About Ostomy Creation

Ostomy creation is an operation in which a portion of the intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to form an opening called a stoma, through which stool leaves the body into an external pouch. A colostomy uses the colon and an ileostomy uses the end of the small intestine. Stomas may be temporary or permanent. Temporary stomas are often created to protect a healing bowel connection after rectal surgery, or during emergencies such as perforation or obstruction, and can later be reversed in a separate operation. Permanent stomas are needed when the rectum and anus are removed, for example in some low rectal cancers, or in certain cases of inflammatory bowel disease. An end stoma brings out one cut end of the bowel, while a loop stoma brings out a loop with two openings. Stomas can be created through open or laparoscopic surgery. Careful preoperative marking of the stoma site by a specialist nurse helps ensure the pouch fits well. Specialist ostomy nurses and patient associations play a major role in education and support.