Chapter 3 The Digestive System 115 (the formation of pouches or sacs, called diverticula, in the colon wall), diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticulum), polyps (small tissue masses that bulge or project outward or upward), intestinal blockages, abscesses, and cancer. Colostomy A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which one end of a healthy large intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the edges of the bowel are stitched to the skin of the abdominal wall (Figure 3.10). The surgically created opening is called a stoma. A colostomy drains stool (feces) from the colon into a colostomy bag attached to the abdomen. Most colostomy stool is softer and contains more liquid than stool that is passed normally. The procedure is usually performed after partial or complete intestinal obstruc- tion (blockage of the large intestine), a severe infection, cancer, or trauma to the colon such as from a penetrat- ing wound. Whether a colostomy is temporary or per- manent depends on the extent of the disease or injury. Living Art Enterprises, LLC / Science Source Figure 3.9 X-ray from a contrast barium enema. This diagnostic procedure allows doctors to look for a variety of abnormalities, such as intestinal blockages, polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. Diseased section of colon removed Stoma Bag Figure 3.10 A colostomy drains stool from the large intestine into a colostomy bag. The surgically created opening is called a stoma.
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