Stoma Surgery: Formation & Closure
Understanding your stoma — what it is, why it may be needed, how it is created and reversed, and how our dedicated stoma care team helps you every step of the way.
& JCI
A stoma is a surgically created opening on your abdomen
What Is a Stoma?
A stoma is an opening created on the surface of your abdomen (belly) during surgery. A part of your bowel is brought out through this opening so that waste can pass out of your body into a special bag worn over the stoma.
Think of it as a temporary or permanent detour for your bowel movements. The stoma itself looks like a small, round, pinkish area on your skin — similar to the inside of your cheek. It does not have nerve endings, so it does not cause pain.
Stomas are created during colorectal surgery when the normal passage of stool through the bowel needs to be interrupted — either to allow a surgical join (anastomosis) to heal safely, or when the diseased part of the bowel has been permanently removed.
Types of Stoma
Stomas are classified by which part of the bowel is used and how they are constructed. Understanding your type helps you know what to expect.
By Source: Where Does the Stoma Come From?
Colostomy
Created from the large bowel (colon). The stool that passes is usually formed or semi-formed. This is the most common type of stoma in colon cancer and rectal cancer surgery.
Ileostomy
Created from the small bowel (ileum). The output is more liquid and frequent. Common after surgery for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or low rectal cancer.
By Construction: How Is It Made?
Loop Stoma
A loop of bowel is brought to the surface and opened. Both ends remain connected internally. This type is usually temporary and easier to reverse. It is often created to protect a new bowel join while it heals.
End Stoma
The bowel is divided and the upper (working) end is brought to the surface. The other end is either removed or sealed shut inside. This type may be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition.
By Duration: Temporary or Permanent?
Temporary Stoma
Created to allow a surgical join to heal safely. It is reversed (closed) once healing is confirmed — usually after 8–12 weeks. This is the most common type in planned colorectal surgery.
Permanent Stoma
When the lower part of the bowel or the sphincter muscles (muscles that control bowel movements) have been removed or are no longer functional. Patients adapt well with proper stoma care training and support.
When Is a Stoma Needed?
A stoma may be created as part of the treatment for a wide range of conditions. Your surgeon will explain whether a stoma is likely before your surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss stoma formation with you before your operation
Stoma Closure (Reversal)
If your stoma was created as a temporary measure, your surgeon will plan to close it once the underlying condition has healed.
When Can a Stoma Be Closed?
A temporary stoma is typically reversed 8 to 12 weeks after the original surgery. Before closure, your surgeon will check that the bowel join has healed properly. This is done through a contrast study (a special X-ray where dye is passed through the bowel) or a colonoscopy.
If you have had cancer surgery, stoma closure may be delayed until chemotherapy is completed.
What Does the Closure Surgery Involve?
Stoma closure is usually a shorter operation than the original surgery. The surgeon frees the bowel from the abdominal wall, reconnects the two ends, and closes the wound. Most patients go home within 3–5 days after closure.
What to Expect After Closure
- ✅ Bowel function returns gradually over days to weeks
- ✅ You may experience more frequent stools initially — this settles with time
- ✅ The wound at the stoma site heals over 4–6 weeks
- ✅ Your stoma care nurse will guide you through the transition
Stoma reversal reconnects the bowel and closes the abdominal opening
Stoma Care: Daily Management
Caring for your stoma becomes a simple routine with practice. Our stoma care nurse will train you before you leave the hospital and continue to support you at home.
Bag Changes
Your stoma bag collects waste. It needs to be emptied regularly and the whole bag system replaced every 1–3 days. Your nurse will show you exactly how.
Skin Care
The skin around the stoma (peristomal skin) must be kept clean and dry. Use the barrier products and wipes recommended by your stoma nurse to prevent irritation.
Choosing the Right Bag
Stoma bags come in different types — one-piece and two-piece systems, drainable and closed bags. Your nurse helps you find the system that suits your stoma type and lifestyle.
Diet & Hydration
Most patients can eat a normal diet. With an ileostomy, you may need to drink extra fluids. Your team will advise you on foods that may cause gas, odour, or blockage.
Activity & Travel
You can return to work, exercise, and travel with a stoma. Modern bags are discreet, odour-proof, and secure. A support belt may help during physical activity.
Recognising Problems
Contact your surgeon or stoma nurse if you notice bleeding, skin breakdown, change in stoma colour, a hernia around the stoma, or any persistent change in output.
Common Stoma Complications
Most complications can be managed with the help of your stoma nurse and surgical team. These include:
- ⚠️ Skin irritation — the most common issue, usually managed with better-fitting bags and barrier creams
- ⚠️ Retraction — the stoma pulls inward, making bag fitting difficult; may need a convex bag or revision surgery
- ⚠️ Prolapse — the stoma protrudes more than normal; usually manageable but occasionally needs surgery
- ⚠️ Parastomal hernia — a bulge around the stoma; common over time; a support belt helps in many cases
- ⚠️ Stenosis (narrowing) — the stoma opening becomes tight; may need gentle dilatation or revision
Role of the Stoma Care Nurse
At Fortis Hospital Mohali, we have a trained stoma care nurse who is a vital part of your surgical team. The stoma nurse works alongside Dr. Kapoor to ensure you receive complete support before, during, and after your stoma surgery.
What Does the Stoma Nurse Do?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions patients and families ask about stoma surgery, care, and daily life.
Related Pages
Need Stoma Surgery Consultation?
Dr. Rajeev Kapoor and the stoma care team at Fortis Hospital Mohali are here to help. Whether you need a stoma, have one already, or are preparing for closure — we support you at every stage.
For appointments or enquiries: Contact page | drrajeevkapoor.com
