What can be done about a stoma and colorectal cancer?

May be temporary: Most stomas that are created following colorectal surgery are temporary. The permanent colostomies are performed when the tumor involves rectal sphincter and an APR is performed. Otherwise the diversion performed is to protect an anastomosis and can be closed several months later when the suture line has healed. A colostomy is also performed when there is bowel obstruction and diversion needed.