Top of the page

Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer

Anatomy of the colon and rectum

The colon and rectum and where they are in the body
slide 1 of 5
    
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

Cancer in the wall of the descending colon
slide 2 of 5
    
slide 2 of 5, Colon cancer site,

Cancer is shown in a section of the descending colon.

Colon section removed

Possible stoma sites
slide 3 of 5
    
slide 3 of 5, Colon section removed,

Surgery removes the section of colon that contains cancer.

Remaining colon attached to create a stoma

A stoma for a colostomy
slide 4 of 5
    
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

A colostomy bag positioned on the stoma
slide 5 of 5
    
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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery

Current as ofMay 3, 2017

Current as of: May 3, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery