Yes: Majority of the time you will be able to have bowel movements after colostomy. Rarely their might be a surgical issue that may decrease your bowel movements due to nerve impairment. It is also common to have some constipation after surgery due to anesthesia. If you do have constipation for a long time after surgery, consult your physician to get to the underlying cause.
Answered 3/21/2015
6.1k views
Colostomy function: When surgery creates a colostomy, by definition, the colon is attached to an opening in the skin through which fecal material empties (generally into a colostomy bag). The volume & texture of stool can be modified by changing diet &/or using drugs that alter GI transit. However, there is no sphincter in the ostomy (as exists in the anal canal) so you can't will the ostomy to tighten & close off.
Answered 4/4/2018
6.1k views
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question