5-462.5:

You have had an operation on your abdomen. This also involved making an artificial anus in the descending section of your large intestine.

The large intestine (colon) is like an upside down U in the abdomen. The first part lies in the lower right corner of the abdomen. Then it continues upwards and runs across from right to left. Then it descends again. There then follows an S-shaped part located on the bottom left side of the abdomen, which then merges into the rectum. The rectum is the last section of the large intestine (colon).

An artificial anus is an additional opening in the intestine. The intestinal contents are routed outwards through the abdominal wall via this opening. This protects the sections of intestine behind it and the anus. This type of artificial anus is sometimes only used for a specific time, so that the intestine or the anus can heal. A special bag that collects the intestinal contents is usually attached to the artificial anus.

To create an artificial anus, a small opening was made in your abdominal wall. Your intestine was then opened at one location. This opening was then stitched to the opening in your abdominal wall.