If the bowels are injured, inflamed or parts need to be removed due to cancer, a colostomy may be necessary. This procedure involves attaching one end of the intestines to the abdominal wall. Next, an opening is made in the abdominal wall and a colostomy bag is attached, allowing the stools to empty into it.

When your colon, rectum or anus is injured and needs a rest, your doctor may recommend a colostomy -- a surgical procedure that brings the large intestine to the surface of the abdomen so that waste can be deposited in a bag instead of traveling the rest of the way through the digestive tract.

Colostomies divert stool from the colon to an opening on the abdominal wall. While many colostomies are permanent, some are placed temporarily to allow damaged bowel to heal after infection or removal of a portion of the intestine.