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Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer

Anatomy of the colon and rectum

Picture of 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

Picture of 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

Picture of possible stoma sites depending on what section of the colon is removed
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Surgery removes the section of colon that contains cancer.

Remaining colon attached to create a stoma

Picture of 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

Picture of how a colostomy pouch is positioned on the stoma
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Body waste passes from the colon through the stoma into a colostomy pouch, which is taped to your body.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised September 30, 2010

Last Revised: September 30, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology

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