David J Wade | Architect. Third generation Arizona native, David is a graduate of Arcadia High School and the University of Arizona College of Architecture. His 30 years of professional experience include commercial, office, retail, restaurant and resort and land planning projects.
An ostomy is further identified by the part of the intestine involved. For example, an ileostomy is a surgically created opening involving the ileum, a part of the small intestine, to the skin of the abdominal wall. A colostomy is a surgically created opening involving a part of the colon, or large intestine, to the skin of the abdominal wall. Figure 1: Ostomy and ostomy appliance (www.fascrs.org). An ostomy may be temporary or permanent.
This opening is called a stoma. A bag called a stoma appliance is placed around the opening to allow stool to drain. Your colostomy may be short-term. If you have surgery on part of your large intestine, a colostomy allows the other part of your intestine to rest while you recover. Once your body has fully recovered from the first surgery, you will have another surgery to reattach the ends of the large intestine. This is usually done after 12 weeks.