Colostomy
Alternate Names : Intestinal Opening
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Colostomy: Indications
There are a number of reasons to perform a colostomy:
- When the lower large intestine, rectum, or anus is unable to function normally
- When the lower large intestine, rectum, or anus needs rest from normal functions
- When infection or contamination from stool within the resected colon would prevent healing
Whether a colostomy is temporary or permanent depends on the disease process or injury being treated. In most cases, colostomies are temporary and can be closed with another operation at a later date. If a large portion of the bowel is removed, or if the distal (far) end of the colon is too diseased to be reconnected to the proximal intestine, the colostomy may be permanent.
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