Stoma

A stoma is formed by an operation to join the bowel to the surface of the body, where the rest of the bowel is not working properly, and is called an ileostomy where this is done from the small bowel, or a colostomy from the large bowel. This is normally the last life-saving resort for a serious medical condition such as bowel cancer, diverticulitis, or inflamatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis which included Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The stoma is fitted with a bag to collect the waste products, and must be cared for carefully. The stoma may be permanent or temporary, in which case the bowel can be reconnected by another operation.