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An operation involved making an artificial anus for you.

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus.

The surgery involved doing a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy first involves making a small incision in the abdomen. A tube with a camera is pushed through this incision into the abdomen. This camera sends pictures of the inside of the abdomen to a screen. Tools such as forceps and scissors can be inserted through other small incisions in the abdomen.

To create an artificial anus, a small opening is usually made in the abdominal wall. A side of the intestine is also opened in one location. This opening is then stitched to the opening in the abdominal wall. The intestinal contents then come out through this artificial anus. A special bag that collects the intestinal contents is usually attached to the artificial anus.

In the area of the artificial anus the intestine continues to be connected to the subsequent sections of intestine. So it may be that you still excrete small amounts of intestinal waste or mucus via your anus.