Having a stoma

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows faeces (stools or poo) to leave the body. Some of the bowel is then brought out through the opening and stitched onto the skin. There are two types of stoma (colostomy and ileostomy).

Learn more about:

• Understanding stomas
• Types of bowel stomas
• How the stoma works
• Living with a stoma

Understanding stomas

A stoma may be temporary (usually formed from a loop of the bowel) or permanent (formed from the end of the bowel). If surgery may result in a stoma, you will usually see a stomal therapy nurse beforehand. They will mark on your abdomen where the stoma will be placed, taking into account your skin folds and your clothing style.

Temporary stoma

This is needed only until the newly joined bowel has healed. A loop of the bowel is brought out through the opening in the abdomen, and then cut and stitched to the skin. This creates 2 openings. You will have another operation, usually after 3–12 months, to close the stoma and rejoin the bowel. This is called a stoma reversal.

Permanent stoma

About 1 in 10 people with rectal cancer need a permanent stoma when the tumour involves the anal sphincter muscles or the sphincter is not strong enough to control the bowel (incontinence). Permanent stomas are not often used for colon cancer.

Appearance

Like the inside of the mouth, a stoma is soft, moist, and red or pink in colour. It may be level with the surrounding skin or slightly raised. 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

Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer