Colon or colorectal cancer surgery usually involves the removal of the diseased part of the colon. The surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part of the bowel is known as bowel resection. This surgery generally results in the surgeon connecting the healthy ends afterward. In most cases, the bowel tissues need to heal before the surgeon could reconnect the two ends of the bowel. In such cases, you may need to have a colostomy, which will be temporary. If there is no chance for the lower GI tract to heal, you may need a permanent colostomy.

To create a colostomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the belly. This incision goes through the abdominal skin and muscles. Its purpose is to connect the healthy end of the bowel to the outside of the body. The end of the bowel sticks out on the belly, forming a stoma, which is an opening to evacuate fecal wastes. You are going to have to wear an ostomy bag over the stoma to manage your stool evacuations.

What to expect

Before surgery, the surgeon will administer general anesthesia to put you to sleep. After surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for three days to two weeks, depending on the pace of the initial post-surgical recovery. There will be a bit of discomfort during the first few days after surgery, but you can manage it through pain management drugs and other treatments.

After surgery, you are going to have to wear an ostomy bag over the stoma to manage any stools passing out. Since there are no sphincter muscles in the stoma, you will not be able to control when to evacuate bodily wastes. Wearing an ostomy bag will allow you to perform daily tasks without worrying about your bowel movements. Once the bag is full, you can either empty or discard it, depending on the type of ostomy bag being used.

Why may you need a colostomy?

Colon cancer or other severe bowel disorders can result in your colon losing much of its functionality. In the case of colon cancer, you will need to have a part of your colon removed to stop the spreading of cancer. If a part of the colon and rectum has to be removed, your surgeon will have to create a colostomy. In some cases, the surgeon may find that you can retain enough of your rectum, which means that you may not need a colostomy.

Life with a colostomy

Except for having to wear an ostomy bag, you will not have to bring any significant changes to your lifestyle. The first few weeks after surgery may be a little uncomfortable, and you may have to remain limited to a restricted diet plan and little body movement. You will need to have foods that are easy on your stomach and GI tract. As for the physical movement, your surgeon will not recommend you to do something more than a 30-minute walk every day. Once your bowel recovers, you can start reintroducing foods into your diet and resume your preferred physical activity regimen. Nonetheless, it is crucial to stay in touch with your doctor or ostomy care nurse throughout the rehabilitation process.