A colostomy is surgically created in the large bowel. The bowel is then passed through a surgical opening in the abdominal wall and sutured to the skin. A colostomy can be formed of almost any part of the large bowel, although the most common colostomy sites are on sigmoid and transverse colon. 

The exact position depends on the medical reason for the surgery. A colostomy diverts the faecal flow. The output, volume and consistency will vary in each individual case and on the location of the stoma within the colon.

The stoma is red and moist. There are no nerve endings in the stoma and therefore no sensation. A closed pouch is needed to collect the stool.

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