Having a colostomy for anal cancer

What does a colostomy look like?

A colostomy for anal cancer is generally on the lower left side of your abdomen. It is normally red and wet like the inside of your mouth. This is because the inside of the bowel is lined with the same moist tissues (mucous membrane) as the mouth.

The size and shape of a colostomy can vary. Some may sit flat on your abdomen and others may stick out a bit. After your operation, the stoma will be swollen to start with. A lot of the swelling will go down over the first few days. But it can take up to 6 weeks to settle to the size it will remain.

The colostomy has no nerve supply, so it doesn't hurt. But you have to take care not to injure it. This is because you won't feel any pain there if you do.

You put a special bag over the colostomy. This is called a colostomy bag or stoma bag. Your poo passes out of the colostomy and into the bag. Some of the ​mucus​ that your bowel makes also passes out through the colostomy. This is normal, and it collects in the bag with the poo

Photo showing one type of colostomy bag

Looking after your colostomy

Learning to look after a colostomy takes time. You usually see a specialist nurse called a stoma nurse in the run up to your operation. They specialise in looking after people with stomas. They will talk with you about having a stoma and make sure you are prepared.

Before your operation your stoma nurse marks on your abdomen where your colostomy is going to be. This is so you can find a place for it that suits your normal lifestyle.

Your stoma nurse can answer your questions and show you the type of colostomy bag you will use at first. They will show you how the bag works and how to fit and empty it. The stoma nurse or ward nurse look after your colostomy and change your bag for the first few days. They then gradually encourage you to do it yourself.

Your stoma nurse also gives you information about your diet. And they can answer any questions you have about practical things, such as:

• travelling

• doing sports

• what to wear

You might have questions on how the colostomy will affect your sex life. People often feel embarrassed to talk about this. But it is an important part of the conversation when talking about your surgery. Your stoma nurse has experience in this. And they understand that surgery and a colostomy might affect your life in many ways.

Read more about coping with a colostomy for anal cancer

Going home with a colostomy

Adjusting to living with a stoma is not always easy and might take time.

Talk to your stoma nurse or the ward nurses about any support you feel you need at home. You can ask the stoma nurse to show a friend or relative how to look after the colostomy. This means they can help out when you get home. 

Your stoma nurse will give you their contact details before you leave the hospital. You can ring them for advice and support. They may arrange to visit you at home.

Stoma supplies and prescription charges

Make sure you always have plenty of extra supplies so you don't run out. It is helpful to keep everything you need to change your colostomy together in a bag or one place. This can make changing it a smooth and easy process.

Your stoma nurse will give you colostomy bags to take home. Once you have found the type of bag that works for you, you can get more from the chemist or direct from a local stockist. Your stoma nurse will give you the order code for the supplies you need. They can also help you set up a delivery or supplier.

People with a permanent stoma do not have to pay for their prescriptions. This includes stoma supplies. Your GP still needs to give you a signed prescription though.

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live in England you will need to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate to get your prescriptions for free. You get the form to apply from the hospital or your GP.