A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine to divert waste from your digestive system. After you have this surgery, you will pass waste through a stoma that is located on your abdomen.
The location of your colostomy is determined by the location of the damaged portion of your colon or to divert stool from a wound in the perianal area. The pictures below demonstrate the different areas in which a colostomy can be placed. Depending on placement and reason for the ostomy, these can be permanent or temporary.1, 2
- McGarity WC. Gastrointestinal surgical procedures. In: Hampton BG, Bryant RA, eds. Ostomies and Continent Diversions: Nursing Management. St Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1992:349-371.
- What is an ostomy? page. United Ostomy Guide. United States: United Ostomy Association; 2004.
- Clark J, Grover P, reviewers. Colostomy Guide. United States: United Ostomy Association; 2004.