A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows waste (faeces, stools or poo) to leave the body. There are 2 main types of stoma (colostomy and ileostomy).
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Understanding stomas
Stomas may be temporary (usually formed from a loop of the bowel) or permanent (formed from the end of the bowel). If you may need a stoma because of surgery, you will usually see a stomal therapy nurse beforehand. They will mark on your abdomen where the stoma will be placed, taking into account skin folds, you being able to see the stoma, and any prominent bones or old scars.
Temporary stoma
This is needed only until the newly joined bowel heals. A loop of the bowel is brought out through a cut in the abdomen. The bowel is then cut and stitched to the skin to create an opening. This may also be done with the end of the bowel. You will have another operation, usually after 3–12 months, to close the stoma and rejoin the bowel. This is called a stoma reversal. Some people may have a stoma for longer, as you usually wait until all treatment is complete before closing the stoma.
Permanent stoma
About 1 in 10 people with rectal cancer need a permanent stoma when the tumour involves the anal sphincter muscles or they aren’t strong enough to control the bowel (incontinence). Permanent stomas are less common with colon cancer.
Appearance
Like the inside of the mouth, a stoma is soft, moist, and red or pink. It may be level with the surrounding skin, slightly raised or in a dip (recessed). The stoma doesn’t have any feeling, but the skin around it does. Stomas vary in size and can change shape after surgery.
Types of bowel stomas
Colostomy
A type of stoma made from the colon.
Ileostomy
A type of stoma made from the ileum.
Stoma bag or appliance
→ READ MORE: How the stoma works
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Prof Alexander Heriot, Colorectal Surgeon and Director Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Director, Lower GI Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Cameron Bell, Gastroenterologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Graham Borgas, Consumer; Prof Michael Bourke, Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, NSW; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria, VIC; Amanda Connolly, Specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens, SA; A/Prof Melissa Eastgate, Operations Director, Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Anne Marie Lyons, Stomal Therapy Nurse, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and NSW Stoma Ltd, NSW; Lisa Nicholson, Manager Bowel Care Services, Bowel Cancer Australia, NSW; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Rafi Sharif, Consumer; Dr Kirsten van Gysen, Radiation Oncologist, The Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Sarah Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lower GI, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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