After the Procedure:

The colostomy drains stool (feces) from the colon into the colostomy bag. Most colostomy stool is softer and more liquid than stool that is passed normally. How liquid the stool is depends on the location of the segment of intestine used to form the colostomy.

Outlook (Prognosis):

Recovery from this type of surgery is mostly related to the condition or procedure for which the colostomy was performed. Most patients are started on a special diet within 48 hours of surgery.

You'll need to learn how to care for the colostomy and ostomy appliance.