Understanding Colostomy: Types, Care, and Confidence

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that connects the large intestine to the abdominal wall. During this procedure, a surgeon creates an opening in the abdomen and attaches the colon to it. This can be done in any part of the colon. A colostomy is necessary if part of the colon has been, or has to be, removed. Sometimes it's necessary to remove part of the colon due to illness, infection or trauma.

The conditions that require a colostomy the following:  

• Crohn’s disease 
• Diverticulitis
• Colon cancer 
• Bowel obstruction 
• Injury to the colon or rectum

A colostomy can be either temporary or permanent. Whether your colostomy is temporary or permanent, in most cases, the surgery will be performed after a bowel surgery or injury.

There are two main types of colostomies: A loop colostomy and an end colostomy. Another term you may hear is a double-barrel colostomy. Which type of colostomy is needed depends on your condition.

Loop colostomy

If the operation is a temporary measure to relieve pain, a loop colostomy will most often be the preferred choice as it's easier to reverse. The operation is therefore done to allow treatment in the large bowel or relieve a blocked bowel. However, it can, in some rare cases, be permanent. 

In a loop colostomy the intestine is not entirely severed, instead a new opening is cut in the intestine which is attached to the abdominal wall to form a single stoma with two openings. 

A loop colostomy may be located on the right or left side of the abdomen based on the location in the large intestine. You may hear terms like a loop ascending colostomy or loop descending colostomy. An ascending loop colostomy redirects the ascending colon, the first part of your colon that travels up the right side of your abdomen. A transverse loop colostomy redirects the transverse colon, the part that travels horizontally across your abdomen from the right side to the left. A descending loop colostomy redirects your descending colon, which travels down the left side. 

End colostomy

An end colostomy can be either temporary or permanent. A temporary end colostomy is typically recommended when a portion of the bowel has been removed due to a disease, while the remaining bowel needs time to heal before the two ends can be rejoined. 

A permanent end colostomy, on the other hand, is chosen in situations where reconnecting the two sections of the intestine is either too risky or not feasible.   

Regardless of whether your end colostomy is temporary or permanent, the procedure is to bring the end of the colon through the abdominal wall and stitch the edges of upper colon to the outside of your stomach - which forms a stoma. The stoma may be located on the right or left side of the abdomen based on the location in the large intestine. You may hear terms like an end descending colostomy or end sigmoid colostomy. 

Double-barrel colostomy

A double-barrel colostomy may also be created. This is where two separate stomas are created leading in opposite directions along the intestine. However, this is not as common as a loop or end colostomy (this is different from a loop colostomy because two separate stomas are created). 

A colostomy will likely significantly impact your life, but it doesn’t have to stop you doing the things you love. The most important things are to establish your daily routine and find the products that are right for you. In the following sections, we will delve into various aspects of colostomy care and products, together with insights into how to live your life to the fullest with your stoma. 

One of the most used products in colostomy care is colostomy pouches. It is a kind of specialized pouch that comes in many sizes and shapes. There are two main types: one-piece pouches and two-piece pouches. 

The one-piece colostomy pouch includes a stoma cover - or a skin barrier – and a bag which are fused together as a single piece. 

The two-piece colostomy pouch consists of a stoma cover - or a skin barrier - and a pouch that can detach from the stoma cover. 

At Coloplast, you can find both types of colostomy pouches as well as stoma covers, seals and removal sprays - all in different designs that cater to your individual preferences and requirements. Our colostomy pouches and seals are made of skin-friendly materials, and they ensure a snug yet gentle fit around the stoma, preventing leaks and minimizing the risk of skin irritation. 

Take a look at our colostomy care products and continue daily activities without worry. 

There is a lot of new information to take once you or a loved one is undergoing colostomy surgery. It may even feel a bit overwhelming. Remember that Coloplast is here for you - to answer all the questions you need, to guide you with video training and to offer you different types of support programs. 

We want to make sure that you are as prepared as possible and feel as confident as possible, both before the surgery and when you are back at home. 

We care about you overcoming challenges 

Once you are home after your surgery, you may experience some challenges caring for your stoma. But remember that your WOC nurse, as well as a dedicated Coloplast Care Advisor, will be more than happy to help you with any issues. 

Coloplast has a support program called Coloplast Care that offers straightforward advice, personalized support and inspiration. We'll pair you with a dedicated care advisor who will answer any questions you might have about your stoma. Join today, or get in touch with a Care Advisor by calling 1-888-726-7872.