sigmoid colostomy

medicine

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial anus by opening the colon through the abdominal wall. This is done for various reasons, including relieving a blocked colon, diverting waste after injury, or when the rectum or lower colon is removed. A sigmoid colostomy, the most common permanent type, involves the sigmoid colon. It often requires no special appliances, allowing individuals to lead a normal life with the only change being the route of waste elimination.1

It is important to distinguish this from a sigmoidoscopy, which is a diagnostic procedure using a flexible endoscope to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon.2

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colostomy
A sigmoid colostomy, which is the most common type of permanent colostomy, requires no appliances (although a light pouch is sometimes worn for reassurance) and allows an individual to lead a life that is in every way normal except for the route of fecal evacuation.
Read More
A sigmoid colostomy, which is the most common type of permanent colostomy, requires no appliances (although a light pouch is sometimes worn for reassurance) and allows an individual to lead a life that is in every way normal except for the route of fecal evacuation.
Read More