Colostomy

A colostomy is the result of a surgical operation that raises a piece of the large intestine (the colon) to the surface of the abdomen. It is often called a stoma for short. A specialist appliance (bag), available free on the NHS by prescription, is required to collect the waste (soft to formed faecal material) from the stoma. This surgical operation is performed for many reasons, including (but by no means exclusively) cancer.

If the colostomy is permanent the NHS will provide appliances free of charge/prescription costs.

Having a colostomy may affect the way an individual feels about their body and its function. Specialist help is available from stoma care Nurse Specialists who can be found at nearly all NHS hospitals and many of whom cover a community area.

Contacts

The Colostomy Association

2 London Court
East Street
Reading RG1 4QL
0118 939 1537

The Colostomy Association home

Review date: June 2012

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