Colostomy
The most common reasons for requiring colostomy surgery are cancer of the colon, diverticulitis and trauma. Colostomy surgery will result in some part of your colon being brought out of your abdomen.
Descending Colostomy
A more common type of colostomy. Output is semi-formed to formed due to more water being absorbed while in the ascending and transverse colon. |
Transverse Colostomy
Output is liquid to semi-formed. Usually constructed as a loop. Usually temporary. |
Ascending Colostomy
Uncommon type of colostomy. Output is liquid to semi-liquid and very irritating to the skin. |
The detailed diagrams & text following show the placement of stomas when the procedure is expected to be reversed and are used with permission from the Canadian Association of Enterstomal Therapy (CAET), 2015

End Colostomy An end colostomy is usually located in the lower left colon (sigmoid). If the anus, rectum and part of the lower colon have been removed, this type of colostomy is permanent (Diagram #2).
End Colostomy With a Mucous Fistula If the anus, rectum and a portion of the lower colon have not been removed, two stomas may be created. One stoma leads to the functioning part of the colon through which stool and gas pass. The second stoma opens into the non-functioning portion of the colon and rectum and is called a mucous fistula (Diagram #3 shown below). The second stoma is usually small, flat, pinkish-red in colour, moist and produces only mucus. When the rectum remains in place, the urge to have a bowel movement may occur, but only mucus and possibly some old stool, if present, will be passed.
End Colostomy With a Mucous Fistula If the anus, rectum and a portion of the lower colon have not been removed, two stomas may be created. One stoma leads to the functioning part of the colon through which stool and gas pass. The second stoma opens into the non-functioning portion of the colon and rectum and is called a mucous fistula (Diagram #3 shown below). The second stoma is usually small, flat, pinkish-red in colour, moist and produces only mucus. When the rectum remains in place, the urge to have a bowel movement may occur, but only mucus and possibly some old stool, if present, will be passed.
End Colostomy With a Rectal Stump Sometimes the end of the lower non-functioning part of the colon and the rectum is stapled or sewn closed and left inside the abdomen. This piece of bowel left inside is called a rectal stump (Diagram #4). If the colostomy is temporary, once healing from the first surgery is complete, a second surgery is required to reconnect the two ends of the bowel.
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Loop Colostomy A loop colostomy is most commonly created if the
colon is blocked. This type of colostomy is also used to divert stool
from a diseased, injured or healing colon. The stoma site is usually
located high on the abdomen above the waistline. If the colon was
blocked, the stoma may be very large immediately after surgery but
usually shrinks as the blockage is relieved and healing occurs. A loop
colostomy may be temporary or permanent and has two openings. One
opening leads to the functioning part of the colon through which stool
and gas pass. The second opening leads to the non-functioning part of
the colon and allows mucus and old stool, if present, to pass from the
rectum through the anus (Diagram #5).
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LINKS
The Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy (CAET)
An excellent "everything" Colostomy Guide
ConvaTec Canada The Basics Colostomy Surgery
Hollister Canada Ostomy Educational Theatre - Colostomy
Salts Healthcare Being a teenage colostomist
Coloplast Life After Your Colostomy
UOAA Colostomy Guide Irrigation FAQ's Irrigation Guide Sexuality
The Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapy (CAET)
An excellent "everything" Colostomy Guide
ConvaTec Canada The Basics Colostomy Surgery
Hollister Canada Ostomy Educational Theatre - Colostomy
Salts Healthcare Being a teenage colostomist
Coloplast Life After Your Colostomy
UOAA Colostomy Guide Irrigation FAQ's Irrigation Guide Sexuality