Some of the most common reasons for having a colostomy are explained below.
Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in England, mainly developing inside the colon or the rectum. A widely used treatment is to surgically remove the affected part of the bowel.
If a section of the colon is removed, a temporary colostomy is often used to allow the rest of the colon to heal. The healed colon is then rejoined and the colostomy can be removed.
If the rectum is removed, it is likely that you will need to have a permanent colostomy. If the anus is removed you will also need to have a permanent colostomy.
Read more about treating bowel cancer.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that causes small pouches to develop in the wall of the colon, called diverticula, which become infected and inflamed. This can cause stomach pain, high temperatures and vomiting.
It is initially treated using antibiotics but if you have repeated episodes of diverticulitis, it is usually recommended that the affected section of the colon is removed. You may need a temporary colostomy while the remaining colon heals.
Read more about treating diverticulitis.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system.
If Crohn’s disease does not respond to medical treatment, it may be necessary to remove a section of the colon and perform a temporary or permanent colostomy.
Read more about treating Crohn's disease.
Bowel obstruction
Severe constipation, bowel cancer, a diseased colon or a hernia can cause the bowel to become blocked.
A bowel obstruction can become a medical emergency because there is a risk that the bowel could split, causing infection and internal bleeding.
In some cases it may be necessary to remove some of the colon and perform a temporary to permanent colostomy. If the entire colon is removed, then either a temporary or permanent ileostomy may be required.
Bowel incontinence
Bowel incontinence is a condition where a person is unable to control their bowel movements.
A colostomy can be used as a last resort, if all other medical and surgical treatments prove unsuccessful.
Read more about the treating bowel incontinence.
Injury
If a part of the colon needs to be removed following an injury, such as a knife or gunshot wound, a colostomy may need to be performed. The colostomy is usually temporary but in some cases can become permanent.
