A colostomy is a specialized surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall, allowing stool to exit the body directly from the colon into an external collection pouch. At our practice, we understand that facing ostomy surgery can create significant emotional and practical concerns. That's why we're committed to providing compassionate, skillful care while helping you understand each step of your treatment and recovery. This procedure effectively manages conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, or trauma that require temporary or permanent diversion of the digestive tract. Our colostomy approach utilizes strategic stoma placement techniques with preoperative mapping by specialized ostomy nurses, ensuring optimal appliance fit and comfort. We employ precise surgical methods that create healthy, well-vascularized stomas in anatomically appropriate locations, resulting in easier management, fewer complications, and improved quality of life with your ostomy.
You may need a colostomy if you experience:
Colorectal cancer requiring surgical treatment
Complicated diverticulitis with perforation or abscess formation
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) not responding to medical management
Bowel obstruction that cannot be resolved with other treatments
Traumatic injury to the colon or rectum
Radiation damage to the bowel affecting normal function
Congenital abnormalities of the colon or rectum
Complicated fistulas between the bowel and other organs
Severe, unmanageable fecal incontinence
Perianal disease requiring bowel rest
Protection of a high-risk colorectal anastomosis
Protection of a high-risk colorectal anastomosis
At Lifetime Surgical, our approach to colostomy combines precision with personalized care. The procedure begins with comprehensive preoperative planning, including consultation with our dedicated ostomy nurse specialists who perform stoma site marking while you're standing, sitting, and lying down to ensure optimal placement that accommodates your body contours, clothing preferences, and lifestyle needs. We utilize a multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together surgical expertise with specialized ostomy nursing care before, during, and after your procedure. We employ minimally invasive techniques when appropriate to create well-constructed stomas with adequate blood supply and proper protrusion, positioned precisely through the rectus muscle for better support and fewer complications.Our distinctive approach includes creating appropriately sized openings that prevent complications like stenosis (narrowing) or prolapse (protrusion), with meticulous attention to the abdominal wall anatomy to minimize parastomal hernia risk. For end colostomies, we focus on proper mobilization of the bowel to ensure a tension-free stoma, while loop colostomies are secured with specialized techniques to prevent retraction. Throughout the process, our team provides comprehensive education on ostomy management, emotional support for body image adaptation, and connection to community resources and support groups, ensuring you have all the tools needed for successful adjustment to life with an ostomy.
Immediate Post-Procedure (1-7 days)
Expect a hospital stay of 3-7 days depending on your underlying condition
Meet regularly with ostomy nurses who will teach essential stoma care techniques
Begin with clear liquids, advancing diet gradually as tolerated
Participate in early mobility protocols, walking within 24-48 hours of surgery when possible
Observe your stoma with nursing support, learning to recognize normal appearance (moist, pinkish-red color)
Experience initial stoma output beginning typically within 2-5 days
Use prescribed pain management to control discomfort
Learn basic pouching system application and emptying techniques
Begin adapting to the sight and management of your stoma with professional support
Prepare for discharge with initial ostomy supplies and follow-up appointments scheduled
Short-Term Recovery (1-6 weeks)
Attend your follow-up appointment (typically 1-2 weeks after surgery)
Continue working with ostomy nurses to refine your pouching system and care routine
Watch for changes in stoma size (it will shrink slightly during this period) and adjust your appliance accordingly
Gradually increase physical activity while avoiding heavy lifting (nothing over 10 pounds) for 6 weeks
Learn to manage common challenges like gas, odor, and output consistency
Begin introducing various foods gradually, noting any that cause increased gas or output changes
Care for the skin around your stoma, addressing any irritation promptly
Practice pouching changes more independently, building confidence in self-care
Address emotional adaptation with support resources as needed
Return to work based on your surgeon's recommendation and job requirements (typically 4-6 weeks)
Long-Term Adjustment (2-6 months)
Your stoma reaches its permanent size and shape (typically by 6-8 weeks)
Establish a regular routine for pouch changing (typically every 3-7 days)
Become proficient in managing your ostomy independently
Return to most previous activities, including swimming, intimate relationships, and exercise
Develop strategies for managing your ostomy in various social situations
Identify clothing options that work well with your ostomy appliance
Learn to recognize and prevent common issues like leakage or skin irritation
Connect with support groups or ostomy associations if beneficial
Discuss any plans for ostomy reversal if your colostomy is temporary
Follow up with your surgeon and ostomy nurse as recommended
Most patients achieve excellent adaptation and quality of life by 6 months
Ongoing Life with a Colostomy
Permanent colostomies become an integrated part of daily life for most patients
Regular check-ups with your healthcare team ensure continued ostomy health
Periodic reassessment of your pouching system ensures optimal fit as your body changes over time
Most patients develop confidence in managing their ostomy in all life situations
Travel, swimming, sports, and intimate relationships continue with appropriate adaptations
Irrigation (controlled emptying) may be an option for some with descending or sigmoid colostomies
Clothing choices expand as you become more comfortable and knowledgeable
Participation in support groups can provide ongoing connection and new management tips
Most patients report good quality of life with minimal impact on desired activities
Nutritional awareness helps manage output consistency for greater convenience
Annual check-ups with your surgeon and periodic visits with ostomy nurses ensure ongoing success
Common Side Effects
Temporary skin irritation around the stoma
Initial anxiety about stoma care and management
Changes in body image requiring adjustment
Gas and odor management challenges during initial adaptation
Appliance leakage requiring system adjustments
Mucus discharge from the rectum (normal with diverted bowel)
Minor bleeding from the stoma during cleaning (normal)
Temporary dietary intolerances affecting output
Need for clothing adjustments around the stoma site
Less Common Complications
Parastomal hernia (bulging around the stoma)
Stoma prolapse (stoma extending too far from the abdomen)
Stoma retraction (stoma pulling below skin level)
Stoma stenosis (narrowing of the stoma opening)
Stoma necrosis (inadequate blood supply to stoma)
Bowel obstruction related to the ostomy
Persistent peristomal skin problems
Electrolyte imbalances with high-output stomas
Phantom rectum sensations (feeling the need to evacuate through the rectum)
Granulomas (small areas of tissue inflammation around the stoma)
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Stoma color changes from normal pinkish-red to dark purple, blue, or black
Significant bleeding from the stoma (more than a teaspoon)
Severe dehydration from high output (excessive liquid stool)
Stoma prolapse that cannot be gently reduced
Complete absence of output for 24 hours with abdominal distension
Severe nausea or vomiting
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Severe abdominal pain or bloating
Significant redness, warmth, or swelling around the stoma base
Separation of the stoma from the skin
Severe skin breakdown around the stoma
Unusual discharge or foul odor from the stoma site
From your first consultation through your complete recovery, we provide:
Thorough evaluation and explanation of your condition
Clear discussion of all treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives when appropriate
Detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare
Compassionate care during your hospital stay or outpatient procedure
Comprehensive follow-up care and support during recovery
Ongoing availability to address questions or concerns
We understand that facing head and neck surgery can be intimidating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our team is committed to providing expert care with a personal touch, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Your health and wellbeing are our highest priorities, and we're honored to be part of your care team.
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All our laparoscopic procedures are performed by our highly trained surgical team using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
We're committed to providing you with the most advanced, minimally invasive options because we believe you deserve:
Less pain after surgery
Shorter hospital stays
Faster return to work and activities you enjoy
Smaller, less visible scars
Lower risk of complications
Better overall outcomes
Dr. Richard Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with over 20 years of surgical expertise and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. Since establishing his practice in San Jose in 2007, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and mastery of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Beyond his acclaimed bariatric surgery practice, he has earned national recognition for his specialized expertise in both non-mesh and advanced mesh hernia repairs, while also serving as a critical approach surgeon for anterior spine access procedures. Dr. Nguyen combines technical precision with personalized care across multiple premier facilities throughout the South Bay Area.
I would refer Doctor Nguyen to anyone, in fact I have and they have all had the same experience as me. He is truly great. I owe all my success to Doctor Nguyen and I thank him for all the work he has done for me and continues to do so. He is extremely amazing, and I am very grateful to him.
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At 50, I now have a life I had only dreamed of a year before. My body tells me if I am done eating. This surgery is a tool that I have used to the fullest. It is not an easy way out. It still took work. But I honestly know that I would not be living this amazing new life if I didn’t step forward to embrace this life-saving surgery.
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Dr. Nguyen has changed my life completely. I feel so much better and I also feel like I’ve got control of my life again…I had high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. I took at least 5 different medications for the past 30 years. NOW, after surgery I take no medications only vitamins!
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.