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UW Health SMPH

Colostomy for Colorectal Cancer

Anatomy of the colon and rectum Back to top

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 Back to top

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 Back to top

Possible stoma sites
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Surgery removes the section of colon that contains cancer.

Remaining colon attached to create a stoma Back to top

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 Back to top

A colostomy bag positioned on the stoma
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Body waste passes from the colon through the stoma into a colostomy pouch (or bag), which is taped to your body.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal
Last Revised August 27, 2012

Last Revised: August 27, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal

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