Editing Colostomy (section)

== Types ==
[[File:Blausen 0247 Colostomy.png|thumb|Illustration depicting various types of colostomy]]
Types of colostomy include:<ref>Potter et al. ''Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing'' 3rd ed.2006, Elsevier Canada. p1393-1394</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://oncolex.org/Colorectal-cancer/Procedures/TREATMENT/Kirurgi/Stoma?lg=procedure |title=Stoma |access-date=2015-06-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210221449/http://oncolex.org/Colorectal-cancer/Procedures/TREATMENT/Kirurgi/Stoma?lg=procedure |archive-date=2015-12-10 }}</ref>
* '''Loop colostomy:''' This type of colostomy is usually used in emergencies and is a temporary and large [[Stoma (medicine)|stoma]]. A loop of the bowel is pulled out onto the abdomen and held in place with an external device. The bowel is then sutured to the abdomen and two openings are created in the one stoma: one for stool and the other for mucus.
* '''End colostomy:''' A stoma is created from one end of the bowel. The other portion of the bowel is either removed or sewn shut ([[Hartmann's operation|Hartmann's procedure]]).
* '''Double barrel colostomy:''' The bowel is severed and both ends are brought out onto the abdomen. Only the proximal stoma is functioning. Most often, double-barrel colostomy is a temporary colostomy with two openings into the colon (distal and proximal). The elimination occurs through the proximal stoma.

Colostomy surgery that is planned usually has a higher rate of long-term success than surgery performed in an emergency situation.{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}}

=== Duration ===
A colostomy may be temporary; and [[colostomy reversal|reversed]] at a later date; or permanent.

=== Alternatives ===
Colostomy or [[ileostomy]] is now rarely performed for rectal cancer, with surgeons usually preferring primary [[Bowel resection|resection]] and internal [[anastomosis]],<ref name="ASCRS textbook">{{Cite book |title=The ASCRS textbook of colon and rectal surgery |publisher=Springer |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-387-24846-2 |editor-last=Wolff |editor-first=Bruce G. |location=New York |page=417 |editor-last2=American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons}}</ref> e.g. an [[ileo-anal pouch]]. In place of an external [[Prosthesis|appliance]], an internal ileo-anal pouch is constructed using a portion of the patient's lower intestine, to act as a new [[rectum]] to replace the removed original.