What stool consistency would you expect with a colostomy?

The location of your colostomy will influence the consistency of your output. If located in the transverse colon, the stool consistency is typically pasty. If located in the sigmoid colon, the stool will be similar to a usual bowel movement.

Which colostomy site will result in stool that is pasty in consistency?

The sigmoid colostomy is usually located in the lower left-hand side of the abdomen. The output is usually pasty to a formed consistency, and gas is common.

Can you still pass stool with a colostomy?

This colostomy creates a stoma through which stool exits. In this type, the colon stays connected to the rectum. As a result, people will sometimes pass stool or gas through the rectum.

What type of stool is in a colostomy bag?

The colostomy drains stool (feces) from the colon into the colostomy bag. Colostomy stool is often softer and more liquid than stool that is passed normally. The texture of stool depends on which part of the intestine was used to form the colostomy.

What should stool look like After colostomy surgery?

The different types of colostomies are named after the part of the intestine that is used to create the stoma. After colostomy surgery, stool may look different than it did prior to surgery, but should tend to still be fairly formed.

What do you need to know about a descending colostomy?

You will notice with a descending or sigmoid colostomy: The stool is firmer or more like paste. It doesn’t have as much of the irritating digestive enzymes in it. Stool output may happen as a reflex at regular, expected times. The bowel movement will take place after a certain amount of stool has collected in the bowel above the colostomy.

When do you need a transverse colostomy for bowel problems?

If there are problems in the lower bowel, the affected part of the bowel might need time to rest and heal. A transverse colostomy may be used to keep stool out of the area of the colon that’s inflamed, infected, diseased, or newly operated on – this allows healing to take place. This type of colostomy is usually temporary.

Is it normal to have tarry stool after surgery?

Tarry, sticky-looking stool is also not normal. Both of these types of stool can indicate blood in the stool and should be reported to your surgeon unless you were told to expect this after surgery. The vast majority of surgeries do not cause blood to be seen in the stool, and it is not considered normal after a procedure.