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The type of colostomy you need depends on why you are getting it and whether it’s temporary or permanent. Colostomies are named based on how they’re created and where in the colon they are placed. Learn more about different types of colostomies and what to expect during surgery.

How long will I need a colostomy?

You could need a colostomy for a few weeks or months, or it may be permanent.

Temporary colostomies

You might need a temporary colostomy if a part of the colon needs time to rest and heal from a problem or disease. A temporary colostomy is usually kept for 3 to 6 months and then is reversed once your colon is healed. Once it is reversed, you can move your bowels (poop) the same way as you did before your surgery.

Permanent colostomies

You might need a permanent colostomy, if you have a disease like cancer where a part of your colon or rectum needs to be removed. Your stool exits your body through a stoma and goes into a bag. Your anus is closed and you will have this type of colostomy for the rest of your life.

How colostomies are created

There are different ways to create a colostomy. Which one you need will depend on why you need the colostomy, and whether it is temporary or permanent.

End colostomy

Often permanent, it is used when the lower colon or rectum must be removed because of disease (like cancer). A single stoma is formed that protrudes slightly above the skin to make it easier to place a pouch.

Loop colostomy

A loop colostomy has two openings in one stoma—one for stool, the other for mucus. It lets the bowel heal before being reconnected. The loop colostomy may look like one large stoma, but it has 2 openings. One opening puts out stool, the other only puts out mucus. The colon makes small amounts of mucus to protect itself from the bowel contents. This mucus passes with the bowel movements and is usually not noticed. The resting part of your colon keeps making mucus that will come out either through the stoma or through the rectum and anus. This is normal and expected.

Loop colostomies are usually temporary, allowing your bowel to heal from a disease or injury. After it heals, the two ends are often reconnected, so you can move your bowels the way you did before surgery.

Double-barrel colostomy

When creating a double-barrel colostomy, the surgeon divides the bowel completely. Each opening is brought to the surface as a separate stoma. One opening puts out stool and the other puts out only mucus.  The double-barrel colostomy is usually temporary.

Types of colostomies, by location

Colostomies can be made in any part of the large intestine (bowel). The location will affect the consistency of your stool and how you care for your colostomy.

Transverse colostomy (upper abdomen)

• Stool consistency: Soft, loose, or sometimes paste-like.
• Common uses: Often temporary, used when the descending colon is healing or blocked. You might need a permanent transverse colostomy if the lower portion of your colon must be removed, a blockage is not able to be removed, or if other health problems mean you can’t have more surgery.
• Care tips: Stool output cannot be controlled. A drainable pouch will always be needed. Proper fit is important to prevent skin irritation and leakage. Odor and gas can be managed with the right pouch system.

Ascending colostomy (right side of the abdomen)

• Stool consistency: Liquid and rich in digestive enzymes.
• Less common: An ileostomy is often preferred in similar cases.
• Care tips: Continuous output requires a drainable pouch and constant skin protection.

Descending and sigmoid colostomies (left side of the abdomen)

• Stool consistency: Firmer and more regular.
• Common uses: Often permanent, especially if lower bowel is removed.
• Bowel function: More predictable. Some people have daily movements; others, every few days. Leaks may occur between movements. (see next section)
• Care tips: A pouch will probably have to be worn to manage unexpected leaks. Some people use timing strategies (meals, fluids, mild laxatives) or irrigation to regulate bowel movements. Regular bowel movement training might be possible for some people.

Each type of colostomy requires specific care. With the right pouch system and routine, many people find ways to manage their colostomy comfortably and discreetly. For more help, see Caring for Your Colostomy.

What should I expect when my colostomy is placed?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure done while you are under general anesthesia. The surgeon brings one end of your colon through the skin on your abdomen to create a stoma. Then the surgeon attaches the colostomy bag to the stoma.

To help make sure that your stoma is placed where you can see and care for it, your surgeon or an ostomy nurse will figure out the best part of your belly for your stoma. An ostomy nurse is a specially trained nurse who takes care of and teaches people how to take care of their ostomies.

Colostomy placement can be done as an open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Talk with your surgeon about which they think is best and why.  

Like any surgery, having a colostomy placed can cause side effects. You will be at risk of bleeding in your colon or stoma, infection, and damage to nearby organs.

You will likely need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 10 days after your colostomy is placed. How long you stay will depend on why you need the colostomy and any problems you’re having. You will usually be able to go home once your colostomy starts working and you are ready and able to care for it .

Closing or reversing a colostomy

If your colostomy is meant to be temporary, your surgeon might mention plans to “take it down” or “reverse it” in a few months.  This means that the two parts of your colon will be reattached and you’ll be able to have bowel movements the way you did before.

When deciding whether your colostomy can be reversed, your surgeon will look at:

• The reason you needed the colostomy
• Your need for more cancer treatment
• Your health since the operation
• Whether you can handle more surgery
• Other problems that may have come up during or after surgery

Talk to your surgeon before you leave the hospital, so you know what to expect and when you will need to see the surgeon again.