Colostomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Colostomy?
A colorectal surgeon usually performs a colostomy. Your primary care doctor will often send you to the surgeon. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A colostomy changes the way stool leaves your body. The surgeon makes an opening in your belly called a stoma and attaches one end of the colon to the skin. Stool passes into a bag, called a pouch, worn on your belly.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors recommend a colostomy when the colon or rectum cannot work properly or the bowel needs time to heal, as with colon cancer, injury, blockage, or diverticulitis. Some colostomies are temporary; others are permanent, and your surgeon will explain which you are likely to have.
How to prepare
- Ask which medicines to stop before surgery, especially blood thinners.
- Follow eating and drinking instructions, which may include a bowel prep.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and help at first.
- Ask to meet a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse to learn about the pouch before surgery.
What happens during it
You will be given general anesthesia, so you feel nothing. The surgeon makes a cut in your belly, or several small cuts for laparoscopic surgery, and sews part of the colon to the skin to form the stoma.
Recovery
Most people stay in the hospital for several days and learn to empty and change the pouch and care for the skin around the stoma. Many return to normal activities, including work and exercise, within about six weeks.
Risks and side effects
Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and a hernia. The stoma can change size or shape over time, and the skin around it can get irritated. Your surgeon will discuss your personal risks before the operation.
Who performs it
A colorectal surgeon or general surgeon performs the operation. Afterward, a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse teaches you daily pouch care.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is one you pay a flat monthly fee instead of using insurance for visits. This doctor can handle follow-up visits, skin care questions, medicine refills, and general health needs after a colostomy. A concierge doctor is similar but usually costs more. Neither type performs the surgery, so they would refer you to a colorectal surgeon for the operation or stoma problems.
Common questions
Will the colostomy hurt?
The surgery itself does not hurt because you are asleep. You will have soreness afterward, and your care team can give medicine to manage it. Most people find the stoma itself does not cause pain once it heals.
Can I still shower and swim?
Yes. The pouch is designed to be water tight, so you can shower and swim with it on. Many people also find the pouch stays hidden under normal clothing.
What can I eat after a colostomy?
Most people can eat a normal diet once their doctor says it is safe. Some foods, such as beans or carbonated drinks, may cause more gas. Your care team may suggest adding foods back slowly.
How long does a colostomy last?
Some colostomies are reversed in a later operation. This means the bowel is reconnected and the stoma is closed. Others are permanent. Your surgeon can tell you which is more likely in your case.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
