Discharge Instructions for Colostomy
You just had surgery that needed a colostomy. This is a life-saving procedure that involves removing or disconnecting part of your colon (large intestine). If your large intestine was diseased, your surgeon may have removed it. If it was injured, your surgeon may have disconnected it for a short time so that it can heal. After it heals, your surgeon may reconnect it. During a colostomy, your surgeon reroutes your colon through your abdominal wall. Stool and mucus can then pass out of your body through this opening, called a stoma. These are general guidelines for home care after a colostomy. Your provider will go over any information that is specific to your condition.
Home care
Suggestions for home care include the following:
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Take care of your stoma as directed. Your health care provider and ostomy nurse discussed how to do this with you before you left the hospital. It will look different when first done and as it matures, so be sure to ask questions and understand your home care before you leave the hospital. You will learn to clean and protect the stoma area, check it, and put the ostomy bag (cover) on it to collect stool. You should get a contact number for the ostomy nurse to call if you have any questions or concerns from home.
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If someone will be helping you recover, ask the medical team to instruct that person on ostomy care, too.
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Don’t lift anything more than 5 pounds until your health care provider says it's OK.
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Don’t drive until after your first provider’s appointment after your surgery. Don't drive if you are taking pain medicine.
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If you ride in a car for more than short trips, stop often to stretch your legs. This is to help prevent blood clots in the deep veins of your legs.
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Ask your provider when you can expect to return to work. Most people can return to work within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
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Increase your activity slowly. Take short walks on a level surface.
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Wash your incision site with mild soap and water or just water and pat it dry.
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Check your incision every day for redness, drainage, swelling, or separation of the skin.
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Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
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Don’t take any over-the-counter medicine unless your provider tells you to do so.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Lots of bleeding from your stoma. Your provider may advise you to get medical care right away or call 911.
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Blood in your stool. Depending on the amount, your provider may advise you to get medical care right away or call 911.
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Stool that's very hard
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No gas or stool
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Change in the color of your stoma
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Bulging skin around your stoma
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A stoma that looks like it’s getting longer
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Shaking chills
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Redness, swelling, bleeding, or fluid leaking from your incision
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Nausea or vomiting
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Increased pain in the belly or around the stoma
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jen Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sabrina Felson MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.