Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer

Anatomy of the colon and rectum

The colon and rectum and where they are in the body
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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
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Cancer is shown in a section of the descending colon.

Colon section removed

Possible stoma sites
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Surgery removes the section of colon that contains cancer.

Remaining colon attached to create a stoma

A stoma for a colostomy
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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
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Body waste passes from the colon through the stoma into a colostomy pouch (or bag), which is taped to your body.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal
Last RevisedAugust 27, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 27, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal

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