Colostomy for colorectal cancer
Anatomy of the colon and rectum
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slide 1 of 5, Anatomy of the colon and rectum,
The large intestine (colon) extends from the cecum to the anus and includes the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum.
Colon cancer site
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slide 2 of 5, Colon cancer site,
Cancer is shown in a section of the descending colon.
Colon section removed
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slide 3 of 5, Colon section removed,
Surgery removes the section of colon that contains cancer.
Remaining colon attached to create a stoma
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slide 4 of 5, Remaining colon attached to create a stoma,
The surgeon connects the end of the remaining section of the colon to an opening made in the skin. This creates a stoma.
Colostomy pouch in place
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slide 5 of 5, Colostomy pouch in place,
Body waste passes from the colon through the stoma into a colostomy pouch (or bag), which is taped to your body.
Current as of: December 19, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Kenneth Bark MD – General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery