Colostomy bag
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Colostomy bag
A colostomy bag (or pouch) is worn on the outside of the body to collect waste that normally passes through the digestive system. The bag is needed after a portion of the colon has been surgically removed.
A person may need a colostomy bag temporarily until the colon has healed from the surgery, or permanently if the entire lower part of the colon was removed. Solid waste passes from the remaining part of the colon through an opening (stoma) in the body. The bag doesn't show under clothing and is thrown away after each use. Many people are able to take care of their colostomy bags on their own.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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