Colostomy - series: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Colostomy - series

Procedure, part1

A colostomy creates an opening on the abdomen (stoma) for the drainage of stool (feces) from the large intestine (colon). Colostomies are usually performed after the diseased colon has been removed.

Colostomies may be temporary or permanent. While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the abdomen. The diseased colon is removed.

Update Date: 6/25/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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