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Colostomy
BOWEL DIVERSION SURGERY
A colostomy involves diverting your bowel through an opening in your tummy
What is a colostomy?
A colostomy is a surgical procedure which involves diverting one end of your bowel though an opening in your tummy. Your consultant can then put a bag over this opening to collect your poo.
A colostomy may be needed if you're unable to poo through your anus as a result of conditions like bowel cancer, Crohn's disease and bowel incontinence. Sometimes, a colostomy is a temporary measure and can be reversed at a later date (see colostomy reversal).
There are two types of colostomy: a loop colostomy and an end colostomy. Your consultant will decide which is right for you. Both are carried out under general anaesthetic.
Need to know
Loop colostomy
Your consultant will make a loop of your colon (bowel) and pull it through a cut in your tummy. They'll then open the loop and stitch it to your skin to make a stoma (opening) on either the left or right side of your tummy. Finally, they'll connect the opening to part of your bowel.
End colostomy
Your consultant will pull one end of your colon through a cut in your tummy and stitch it to your skin to make the stoma. An end colostomy tends to be a permanent measure. In both cases, your consultant will cover the stoma with a bag to collect your poo.
After your procedure, we'll take you to our recovery ward, where you'll be cared for by our dedicated team of consultants and nurses. You'll stay with us until you regain normal bowel function. This could be for up to a week. We may also put you on a drip to keep you hydrated until you're able to drink normally. Your consultant or specialist nurse will let you know when you can leave the hospital and get back to you normal routine.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
We will transfer you to our recovery area, and you will need to stay with us for a few days. We may put you on a drip to keep you hydrated until you're able to drink on your own. You will be shown how to look after your stoma, including how to empty and change your bag. Your consultant will let you know when you can leave and get back to your usual routine.
Our Colostomy locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
41 Welbeck Street
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.