Our educational information is designed to help you find out more about specific health conditions and the products we offer. Please note the information that follows should not replace your doctor's advice. The digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as the storage and elimination of fecal waste, take place within the gastrointestinal system, or the GI tract. Digestion starts in the mouth as you chew your food.
Food then passes through the esophagus to be digested in the stomach.
Partially digested food moves into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. The remaining undigested portion solidifies and is reabsorbed in the large intestine, or becomes colon-forming solid fecal matter, or stool. Stool is then passed to the rectum, where it is stored until it is excreted through the anus. It will usually have a round or oval shape, varying in size. After surgery, the stoma will appear swollen.