What is the purpose of a colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall by bringing a portion of the colon to the surface. The primary purpose of a colostomy is to facilitate the elimination of feces when the normal passage through the digestive tract is disrupted due to conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or a traumatic injury. By providing an alternate pathway for feces elimination, a colostomy allows for waste to exit the body even when the normal route through the rectum is no longer functional or safe.

This surgical intervention is critical for managing bowel conditions that prevent the normal passage of stool, thus improving the quality of life for patients who might otherwise experience significant health issues due to obstructed bowel function.