A colostomy is an operation that creates an opening for the
colon, or large intestine, through the abdomen. A colostomy may
be temporary or permanent. It is usually performed after bowel
surgery or injury. Most permanent colostomies are "end
colostomies," while many temporary colostomies bring the side of
the colon up to an opening in the abdomen. During an end
colostomy, the end of the colon is brought through the abdominal
wall, where it may be turned under, like a cuff. The edges of
the colon are then stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall to
form an opening called a stoma. Stool drains from the stoma into
a bag or pouch attached to the abdomen. In a temporary "loop
colostomy," a hole is cut in the side of the colon and stitched
to a corresponding hole in the abdominal wall. This can be more
easily reversed later by simply detaching the colon from the
abdominal wall and closing the holes to reestablish the flow of
stool through the colon. Reasons for the procedure Colostomy
surgery may be needed to tre