A colostomy is a surgically created opening between the colon and the abdominal wall. The end of the colon is brought through this opening and an artificial opening, called a stoma, is formed. Ostomates pass stool through the stoma into an external collecting system.
The life expectancy of a person with a colostomy depends on many factors, such as the underlying condition that led to the need for surgery, overall health status, and compliance with medical care. However, in general, most people with a colostomy can expect to live a full and normal life span.