Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the Unites States. The colon (large intestine) is the part of the digestive system that extracts water from feces. Sometimes, treatment of colon cancer requires the lower end of the colon to be removed—so the feces cannot longer pass from the large intestine to the anus.

When this happens, a colostomy is needed.  A colostomy involves making an artificial opening in the abdomen wall (called stoma) and connecting the colon to the stoma, so the feces leave the body through it and into a bag attached to the abdomen. The stools after a colostomy are softer and more liquid than normal stools.

Sometimes, part of the colon is not removed surgically but just operated upon, which makes the colostomy only temporary—at least until the colon heals. The colostomy can be reversed and the stoma closed, just leaving a small scar. Minor complications after surgery include irritation of the skin, obstruction of the stoma or a hernia at the site of incision. The risk of complications and the time of recovery depend on the type of condition or injury that led to the colostomy.

Although some patients feel uncomfortable about the idea of living with a colostomy, in reality, they don’t have to be. If the colostomy is performed in the left side of the large intestine, only a pad or stoma cap is needed to cover the opening. On the other hand, if the colostomy is on the right side of the large intestine, a bag or pouch is needed. Both the caps and pouches are easy and comfortable to use. The fact is, once you get accustomed to them, you can live your life normally. You will be able to wear the same clothes and eat the same food (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).