If your colostomy is intended to be temporary, further surgery will be needed to reverse it at a later date.

The reversal operation will only be carried out when you are in good health and fully recovered from the effects of the colostomy formation operation. This will usually be at least 12 weeks or more after the initial surgery.

However, the reversal may need to be delayed for longer if you require further treatment such as chemotherapy or haven’t recovered from the original operation when the colostomy was formed. There’s no time limit for having the stoma reversed and some people may live with their colostomy for several years before it is reversed.

In some cases, reversing a colostomy may not be recommended. For example, if the muscles that control your anus (sphincter muscles) were damaged after surgery, reversing the colostomy may cause bowel incontinence.

Reversing a loop colostomy is a relatively straightforward process. An incision is made around the stoma to allow the surgeon to gain access to the inside of your abdomen. The upper section of your colon is reattached to the remaining section of your colon.

It is also possible to reverse an end colostomy. However, the surgeon will need to make a larger incision to locate and reattach the two sections of the colon. Therefore, it takes longer to recover from this type of surgery and there’s a greater risk of complications.

Recovering from colostomy reversal surgery

Most people are well enough to leave hospital 3-10 days after colostomy reversal surgery, depending on which colostomy procedure you had reversed.

It’s likely to take some time before you resume normal bowel function and routine. Some people experience diarrhoea, although this normally resolves with time.

Some people may experience a sore anus after the reversal. This should improve as the anus becomes used to having stools pass through it again. Common barrier creams can be used as protection.

The reversal operation is usually a smaller procedure than the initial colostomy procedure. However, it still takes several weeks to recover and return to normal activities.

It’s important to be aware of a number of problems you may experience after a colostomy is formed.

Some of these are outlined below.

Rectal discharge

People who have a colostomy but have an intact rectum and anus often experience a discharge of mucus from their rectum. Mucus is a liquid produced by the lining of the bowel that acts as a lubricant, helping the passage of stools.

The lining of the bowel continues to produce mucus even though it no longer serves any purpose. The longer the length of the remaining section of your bowel, the more likely you are to experience rectal discharge.

The mucus can vary from a clear “egg white” to a sticky, glue-like consistency. If there is blood or pus in the discharge, contact your GP because it may be a sign of infection or tissue damage.

Managing the discharge

The mucus can either leak out of your rectum and anus or build up into a ball which can become uncomfortable.

The pattern of rectal discharge varies in each individual. Some people experience episodes every few weeks, while others experience several episodes a day.

Many people find the most effective method of managing rectal discharge is to sit on the toilet each day and push down as if passing a stool. This should help remove any mucus located in the rectum and prevent it building into a ball.

However, some people find this hard to do because surgery has reduced the sensation in their rectum. If this is the case, contact your GP because you may need further treatment.

Glycerine suppositories you insert in your anus can often help. When the capsules dissolve, they make the mucus more watery so it’s easier to get rid of.

In some cases, the mucus can irritate the skin around the anus. Using a barrier skin cream should help. You may need to try a few before you find one that works for you. Your pharmacist can advise about different creams available.

Some people have reported that eating certain foods increases the production of mucus. While there is no scientific evidence to support this, you may want to consider keeping a food diary for a few weeks to see if certain foods could be linked to an increase in the production of mucus.

Parastomal hernia

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as an organ, pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.

In cases of parastomal hernia, the intestines push through the muscles around the stoma resulting in a noticeable bulge under the skin. People with colostomies have an increased risk of developing parastomal hernias because the muscles in their abdomen have been weakened during surgery.

Ways of preventing a parastomal hernia include:

• wearing a support belt or underwear
• avoiding heavy lifting and straining
• maintaining a healthy weight, because being overweight can place additional strain on your abdominal muscles

Parastomal hernias aren’t usually painful, but they can make holding the colostomy appliance in place, and changing it, more difficult.

Most hernias can be managed without the need for surgery with advice and support from your stoma care nurse. In some cases surgery may be required to repair the hernia. However, even after surgery the hernia can reoccur. 

Stoma blockage

Some people develop a blockage in their stoma due to a build-up of food. Signs of a blockage can include:

• reduced stool production, or passing watery stools
• bloating and swelling in the abdomen (tummy)
• tummy cramps
• a swollen stoma
• nausea and/or vomiting

If you suspect your stoma is obstructed, it is recommended that you:

• avoid eating solid food for the time being
• drink plenty of fluids
• massage your tummy and the area around your stoma
• lie on your back, pull your knees up to your chest and roll from side to side for a few minutes
• take a hot bath for 15-20 minutes (to help relax the muscles in your tummy)

However, if there is no improvement within two hours and you have tried these steps you should immediately contact your stoma nurse for advice or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E) department because there is a risk your colon could burst (rupture).

You can help reduce your chances of developing a blockage in your stoma by chewing your food slowly and thoroughly, keeping well hydrated and by not eating large amounts of food at one time.

You should also try to avoid foods known to cause blockage problems such as corn, celery, popcorn, nuts, coleslaw, coconut macaroons, grapefruit, Chinese vegetables such as bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, raisins, dried fruit, potato skins, apple skins, and orange rinds.

Other complications

There are also a number of other complications that can occur after a colostomy is formed, such as:

• skin problems – where the skin around the stoma becomes irritated and sore; your stoma care team will be able to offer advice about ways to manage this problem
• stomal fistula – where a small channel develops in the skin alongside the stoma; depending on the position of the fistula, appropriate bags and good skin management may be all that is required to treat this problem
• stoma retraction – where the stoma sinks below the level of the skin after the initial swelling goes down, which can lead to leakages because it can be difficult for colostomy bags to form a good seal; different types of pouches and appliances can help ease this problem, although further surgery may sometimes be needed to correct it
• stoma prolapse – where the stoma comes out too far above the level of the skin; using a different type of colostomy bag can sometimes ease this problem if the prolapse is small, although further surgery may be required
• stomal stricture (stenosis) – where the stoma becomes scarred and narrowed; further surgery may be needed to correct it if there is a risk of blockage
• leakage – where digestive waste leaks from the colon onto the surrounding skin or within the abdomen; trying different bags and appliances may help an external leak, but further surgery may be needed if the leak is internal
• stomal ischaemia – where the blood supply to the stoma is reduced after surgery; this may require further surgery to correct

There are several different ways a colostomy can be formed. The specific technique used will depend on your circumstances.

The two main surgical techniques are:

• open surgery (laparotomy), where the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the colon
• laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery, where the surgeon makes several smaller incisions and uses a miniature video camera and special surgical instruments to access the colon

Where possible, keyhole surgery is the preferred choice. This is because research has shown that patients recover quicker and have a reduced risk of complications.

However, in emergency situations, such as a bowel obstruction, the staff and equipment needed for a keyhole operation may not be available, so an open operation will need to be performed.

All colostomy formation procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you are asleep during surgery.

Types of colostomy

There are two main ways a colostomy can be formed, called a loop colostomy and an end colostomy. These are described below.

Loop colostomy

To form a loop colostomy, a loop of colon is pulled out through an incision in your abdomen. This section of colon is then opened up and stitched to the skin to form an opening called a stoma. The stoma will have two openings, but they will be close together and you may not be able to see both.

One of the openings is connected to the functioning part of your bowel. This is where waste products will leave your body after the operation. The other opening is connected to the “inactive” part of your bowel that leads to your rectum. This opening only produces small amounts of mucus.

The position of the stoma will depend on which section of the colon is diverted, although it is usually on the left-hand side of your abdomen, below your belt line. You will meet a specialist stoma nurse before the operation to discuss possible locations for the stoma.

The stoma will appear large at first as the effects of surgery cause it to swell. It usually shrinks during the weeks after surgery, reaching its final size after about eight weeks. The stoma will be red and moist. It has no nerve endings so it isn’t painful to touch. It may bleed when touched, but this is entirely normal and no cause for concern.

In some cases, a support device (called a rod or bridge) may be used to hold the loop of colon in place while it heals. This will usually be removed after a few days.

A loop colostomy is usually formed temporarily to treat conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease and bowel cancer.

End colostomy

To form an end colostomy, one end of the colon is pulled out through an incision into your abdomen and stitched to the skin to create a stoma.

Like when a loop colostomy is formed, the position of the stoma will depend on which section of the colon is diverted. However, it is usually on the left-hand side of your abdomen, below your belt line. You can discuss possible stoma sites with a stoma nurse before the operation.

The stoma will have one opening, which waste products will pass through. The other end of the colon which goes down to your rectum is sealed and left inside your abdomen.

End colostomies are often permanent, although temporary end colostomies are sometimes formed as an emergency to treat bowel obstructions, colon injuries or bowel cancer.

Read more about recovering from a colostomy.

A colostomy is formed during surgery to divert a section of the large intestine (colon) through an opening in the abdomen (tummy).

The opening is known as a stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect waste products that would usually pass through the colon and out of the body through the rectum and anus (your back passage).

A colostomy can be permanent or temporary.

It is estimated that around 6,400 permanent colostomies are carried out each year in the UK.

Why a colostomy may be needed

A colostomy usually needs to be formed when there is a problem with an area of the colon. Some of the most common reasons for forming a colostomy include:

• bowel cancer
• Crohn’s disease – a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system
• diverticulitis – a condition that causes small pouches to develop in the wall of the colon, called diverticula, which become infected and inflamed

A colostomy diverts digestive waste away from the affected areas of the colon to give them a chance to heal. In some cases, a colostomy is formed after a section of the colon has been removed.

Read more about why a colostomy is used.

Types of colostomy

There are two main ways a colostomy can be formed. They are:

• a loop colostomy – where a loop of colon is pulled out through a hole in your abdomen, before being opened up and stitched to the skin
• an end colostomy – where one end of the colon is pulled out through a hole in your abdomen and stitched to the skin

Loop colostomies tend to be temporary and require a further operation at a later date to reverse the procedure. It is also possible to reverse an end colostomy, but this is less common.

You will usually have to stay in hospital for 3-10 days after a colostomy or colostomy reversal. 

Read more about how colostomies are performed, colostomy reversal and recovering from a colostomy.

Living with a colostomy

If you need to have a colostomy formed, you may initially be concerned that your day-to-day activities will be restricted and that others will notice you are wearing a colostomy bag.

However, modern colostomy equipment is discreet and secure and there is no reason why you should not be able to do the activities you enjoyed before, without experiencing the symptoms that made it necessary in the first place.

Adjusting to life with a colostomy can be challenging, but most people become accustomed to it over time.

You will usually see a specialist stoma nurse before and after having a colostomy formed, although you may not be able to see them before the procedure if it is carried out in an emergency. Specialist stoma nurses can offer support and advice to help you adapt to life with a colostomy.

Read more information about living with a colostomy and complications of a colostomy.

Although it can be difficult to adjust at first, having a colostomy does not mean you cannot have a full and active life.

You may find the following information useful if you have a colostomy, or are due to have one in the near future.

Colostomy equipment

After a colostomy is formed, the opening in your abdomen (known as the stoma) will produce digestive waste in the form of faeces. The consistency of your faeces will depend which part of your colon is diverted, as well as your diet and fluid intake.

A colostomy pouch will usually be required to collect your faeces. These pouches often need to be removed and replaced when full (usually one to three times a day), although drainable pouches that only need to be replaced every one or two days may be used if you have particularly loose faeces.

There is a wide range of colostomy appliances available, including:

• a one-piece pouch – the bag and flange (part that sticks to your skin) are joined together. The appliance is removed when full and disposed of
• a two-piece pouch – the bag and flange are separate but can be connected; the flange can be left on your skin for several days and the bag removed and disposed of several times a day

If you produce faeces in a regular and predictable pattern, you may not always need to wear a colostomy bag. However, as occasional leakages can occur, it is recommended that you wear a small stoma cap. 

A specialist stoma nurse, who will usually see you before and after the colostomy is formed, will help you choose the most suitable appliance for you.

To help reduce skin irritation, colostomy appliances are made from hypoallergenic (non-allergic) material, and contain special filters that ensure the appliance does not release any unpleasant odours.

There are also additional products that can make living with a colostomy more convenient, including:

• support belts and girdles
• deodorisers that can be inserted into your appliance 
• protective skin wipes
• adhesive remover sprays
• protective stoma rings
• specially designed underwear and swimwear

Your stoma care nurse will be able to advise you on the most appropriate equipment to manage your colostomy successfully.

Ordering and paying for appliances

You will be given an initial supply of colostomy appliances before you leave hospital, as well as your prescription information. You should let your GP know your prescription information so they can make a note of it in your medical records and issue prescriptions in the future.

Your prescription can either be taken to the chemist or sent to a specialist supplier who will deliver the appliances. There’s no need to stockpile supplies, but it’s recommended that you order more appliances while you still have plenty left so you don’t run out.

You will not have to pay prescription charges for permanent colostomy equipment. However, you will have to pay prescription charges for a temporary colostomy unless you are over 60 years old. Read more about prescription charges and help with health costs.

If you have to pay prescription charges, it will probably be more cost-effective for you to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which entitles you to a discount on repeat prescriptions.

Irrigation

Irrigation is an alternative to wearing a colostomy appliance. It involves washing out your colon with water either every day or every other day.

This involves gently inserting a small device into your stoma and attaching it to a bag full of water and an irrigation sleeve, which acts in a similar way to a colostomy pouch.

You slowly move water into your colon so that it washes it out and moves the stools into the irrigation sleeve. The equipment can be disposed of once the process is complete. A cap is used to cover your stoma in between irrigations.

Advantages of irrigation include:

• You choose when you want to perform irrigation.
• You don’t have to wear a colostomy appliance (but may have to wear a small cap).
• You should be able to enjoy a more varied diet.
• You should experience less flatulence (gas).

Disadvantages of irrigation include:

• It’s a time-consuming process that takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete, usually on a daily basis.
• To achieve the best results, irrigation should be carried out at the same time every day which could cause you problems when you are away from home on holiday or with work.

Some people also find irrigation unpleasant. It is possible to go back to using a colostomy pouch if you find irrigation is not suitable for you.

Irrigation may not be possible in some circumstances. For example, people with Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis are unable to irrigate their colon as it is too damaged. Irrigation is also not suitable for people having a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Irrigation probably isn’t advisable for young children as it’s quite time-consuming.

Diet

In the first few weeks after having a colostomy, it is likely you will be put on a low-fibre diet. This is because having a high-fibre diet can increase the size of your stools, which can cause the bowel to become temporarily blocked. After around eight weeks, you will usually be able to resume a normal diet.

As you recover you can start to eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day). 

You should be able to return to the diet you previously enjoyed. If you had a restricted diet you should be able to reintroduce those foods back into your diet that you previously avoided.

Read more about healthy eating and the importance of eating a balanced diet.

Smell & wind

Many people worry their colostomy will give off a smell that others will notice.

All modern appliances have air filters that have charcoal in them, which neutralises the smell. Most people will be aware of the smell of their colostomy because it is their own body. However, someone standing next to you will not be able to smell the stoma.

Immediately after your surgery your colostomy will make excess wind and noise. This will slowly reduce as your bowel recovers.

Your stoma nurse can advise on products you can use to help reduce any smell, and dietary advice to reduce wind.

Medication

Many medicines are designed to dissolve slowly in your digestive system. Having a colostomy shouldn’t alter the effectiveness of your usual medication. If you do notice any tablets in your appliance, notify your pharmacist or GP who will recommend an alternative medication for you to take. 

Exercise

In the weeks following surgery, it is usually recommended you do some gentle exercise to help recovery.

How you recover will determine how much exercise you can do. If you feel any pain, stop immediately.

All colostomy bags are waterproof so you can go swimming.

Work

Once your bowel has healed, there is no reason why you can’t return to work. If your job is particularly strenuous and involves a lot of heavy lifting, you may need to wear a support belt or a girdle. Your stoma nurse can advise about this.

It’s likely to take several months before you’re ready to return to work. However, it all depends on how you recover and the type of work you do. Whenever you do return you are likely to find it very tiring. It’s a good idea to discuss potential options with your employer before having a colostomy operation.

Some employers may be happy to provide a degree of flexibility, such as allowing you to work part-time or at home, until your strength improves. Your employer may also be able to provide additional support, such as giving you access to changing facilities or adjusting your work responsibilities so you don’t have to do lots of heavy lifting.

You don’t have to tell your work colleagues about your colostomy (unless you want to). Some people find it’s a good idea to tell one person in your workplace in case you need any support or advice.

Travel

There’s no reason why you can’t travel freely when you’ve had a colostomy, although you will probably need extra time when planning your journey.

Most stoma companies have a small information leaflet that you can carry with you at all times, which is available in several different languages. 

Your stoma nurse can give you advice about travelling with a stoma. It’s recommended that you have travel insurance.

One essential item for people with a colostomy is a RADAR key. This provides you with access to public disabled toilets so that you can change your colostomy appliance when you need to.

You can get a RADAR key by contacting the Colostomy Association, which is a leading UK charity and support group for people with a colostomy.

When travelling abroad, it’s a good idea to take plenty of colostomy supplies with you because you may have difficulty getting hold of them in another country.

Sex

There are several practical issues that could arise if you have a colostomy, which could have an impact on your sex life and your relationships.

Women

Women who have had their rectum removed, may find that having sex in the traditional “missionary position” is painful because the rectum no longer supports the vagina during sex. Trying different positions may help.

After surgery, many women also find their vagina is much dryer which can make sex uncomfortable. Applying a lubricating jelly before having sex may help.

Having weight placed on your stoma during sex can be painful, so you may want to avoid positions that could cause pain. Alternatively, you could protect the stoma with a cushion or pillow.

Your stoma nurse will be able to give you more advice.

Men

Following a colostomy, some men find the blood supply and nerve endings to their penis have become damaged. This can make it difficult getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).

There are several ways to treat erectile dysfunction, including taking a medication called sildenafil, which helps increase blood supply to the penis.

Other sex-related issues

Aside from practical issues, you may be concerned about body image, self-confidence and how your partner may react to your colostomy, which can also have an impact on your sex life.

However, it’s important to stress that many people who have a colostomy enjoy good sex lives but it can take several months to build up the confidence and trust to make this possible.

If you have a long-term partner, you may want to ask them if they want to see your stoma and colostomy equipment. Some people’s partners want to take an interest but others may find it too upsetting, at least in the short-term. There is no right or wrong way to react so try not to take a refusal as a personal rejection.

If the appearance of your stoma and colostomy equipment is off-putting during sex, you can always cover them with a nightgown or boxer shorts.

Other tips that may help improve your sex life include:

• changing your appliance before having sex
• changing your appliance to a small stoma cap before having sex
• covering the appliance with a satin or cotton cover (if the feel of the appliance against your skin is a distraction during sex)
• keeping your sense of humour: embarrassing mishaps often occur during sex, whether or not you have a colostomy

You should avoid having anal sex (if the rectum has not been removed) after a colostomy because this can lead to painful tearing and bleeding. You should also avoid using the stoma itself for penetrative sex because this can seriously damage it.

After a colostomy is formed, you will need to stay in hospital for a few days while you recover.

When you wake up after the operation, you may be attached to several different devices, including:

• a drip into your vein which provides fluids (an intravenous drip)
• a tube inserted into your bladder to remove urine (a catheter)  
• an oxygen mask or nasal tubes (cannula), to help you breathe

These will be removed as you recover from the surgery.

A colostomy bag will be placed over the opening in your abdomen (called a stoma). This will be clear so the stoma can be easily monitored and easily drained when it starts working. This first bag is often larger than normal colostomy bags and it is usually replaced with a smaller bag before you go home.

Stoma nurse

While you are recovering in hospital, a stoma nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma, including how to empty and change the pouch.

They will teach you how to keep your stoma and surrounding skin clean and free from irritation and will also give you advice and treatment should you develop an infection.

The nurse will explain the different types of equipment available and how you go about getting new supplies. See living with a colostomy for more information.

When you leave hospital you will be seen by a stoma nurse at home that works in your area. This may be the same stoma nurse you saw in hospital. 

Going home

Most people are well enough to leave hospital 3-10 days after the operation, depending on the type of operation you had.

It’s important to avoid any strenuous activities at home that could place a strain on your abdomen, such as lifting heavy objects. Your stoma nurse will give you advice about resuming such activities.

In the first few weeks after your operation, you may find that you experience excessive flatulence (gas), and that the discharge from your stoma is unpredictable. However, this should start to improve as your bowel recovers from the effects of the operation.

Some of the most common reasons why a colostomy is formed are explained below.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, it mainly develops 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 formed to allow the rest of the colon to heal. The healed colon is then rejoined and the colostomy can be reversed.

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, 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.

A temporary colostomy is sometimes recommended to divert the waste from digestion away from the inflamed colon to give it a chance to heal. In a few cases, a permanent colostomy may be necessary.

Read more about treating Crohn’s disease.

Bowel obstruction

Conditions such as severe constipation and bowel cancer can sometimes 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 form a temporary or 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 formed as a last resort, if all other medical and surgical treatments prove unsuccessful.

Read more about 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 formed. The colostomy is usually temporary but in some cases can become permanent.

Colostomy in children

Some children have a colostomy due to a condition called Hirschsprung’s disease. This is a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in every 5,000 children.

Children with Hirschsprung’s disease are missing some of the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, which means the colon can easily become blocked.

Surgery is sometimes necessary to prevent these blockages. During the operation, the section of the colon lacking the nerve cells is removed and a colostomy is formed so stools can leave the body. Depending on how much of the colon is removed, the colostomy may be temporary or permanent.