Colostomy Diet and Colostomy Surgery

Colostomy Surgery is often needed to treat certain conditions of the colon (large bowel). Sometimes the surgeon must make an opening on the abdominal wall through which intestinal waste (feces) can pass. This surgery is medically known as colostomy and ileostomy. The opening itself is called a stoma. A lightweight, disposable bag is then worn over the stoma. This condition is often permanent. However, in certain cases it is a temporary detour that can be reversed at a later time.

There are two forms of this surgery where a bag may not be needed. Sometimes a rectal pouch can be created from the small intestine, forming a reservoir for the stool behind the stoma. A tube is put in place so the reservoir can be emptied when needed, usually once a day. This procedure is no longer very common. In another procedure, all of the colon is removed except for the last part of the rectum. A pouch ( Ileal-Anal Pouch) is created from the small intestine and it is attached to the rectum so liquid stool can pass normally through the anus (opening to the outside of the body) about 3 to 7 times a day. This is why a colostomy diet is really needed to contain this condition.

After all of these surgeries, the stool consistency, amount, and frequency will depend on the type and amount of foods eaten. So, the Colostomy diet on this blog is to help patients gain adequate control of their bowel movements.