Name: What is a colostomy?
Creator: NHS website
License: https://developer.api.nhs.uk/terms

A colostomy is where part of your large bowel (colon) is brought out through an opening made in your tummy. The opening is called a stoma.
You will no longer poo from your bottom – it will come out of the stoma into a pouch or bag you stick on your tummy.
It's usually done because part of your large bowel needs to be removed, or rested after surgery.
It may be temporary and reversed later, or permanent, depending on why it's needed.
A stoma might be flat against your skin or stick out a couple of centimetres. It should be soft, slippery and pink, like the inside of your mouth.
The stoma should not hurt, but it can bleed easily when scratched or wiped.