The operation is called a colostomy. The surgeon will attach the end of your colon to the stoma. Bowel movements will leave your body through it and collect in a special pouch that you’ll empty out.

Some people, especially those with ileostomies, may choose to wear a belt to help hold the pouch in place and feel more ...

An ostomy is a surgically created opening on your abdomen to drain stool. It is the end of the intestine that can be seen on the skin of your belly. There are two types of ostomies: ileostomy and ...

When you have a colostomy or ileostomy the end of your bowel is brought through an opening on your tummy (abdomen). The opening is called a stoma. If the small bowel (ileum) is brought out onto the ...