A 40-year-old member asked:
Why would a colostomy be performed?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
Surgery 41 years experience
See below: There are many factors to consider. Usually a colostomy is performed because of an inability to safely reconnect the colon together. It could be due to disease, infection, cancer, radiation, poor tissues or ill health. If the colon leaked internally at a weak connection, then a serious and potentially life threatening infection can occur. The surgeon has many considerations to make at surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Turrisianswered
Radiation Oncology 49 years experience
Colostomy may: Be needed for cancers too close to the rectal muscles to maintain continence, or any time that stool needs to be diverted away from necessary healing in the low pelvis. The former is not reversible, the latter is.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2017
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