What is Colostomy?

Colostomy: An artificial exit from the colon created to divert waste through a hole in the colon and through the wall of the abdomen. A colostomy is commonly performed by severing the colon and then attaching the end leading to the stomach to the skin, through the wall of the abdomen. At the exterior opening ( stoma), a bag can be attached for waste removal. The end of the colon that leads to the rectum is closed off and becomes dormant (known as a Hartmann colostomy). There are other types of colostomy procedures. Usually a colostomy is performed because of infection, blockage, cancer, or in rare instances, severe trauma of the colon.