Colostomies and Colon Cancer, a Lifesaving Choice, Not a Last Resort

Although a permanent colostomy can serve as a life-saving measure for patients with colorectal cancer, some individuals may have negative feelings surrounding this life change, Dr. Andreas M. Kaiser explained in an interview with CURE® during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Although a colostomy can be short-term or life-long, according to the American Cancer Society, a permanent colostomy is performed when part of the colon or the rectum becomes diseased. To do this, a surgeon removes the diseased part of the bowel is removed; in this case, the colostomy is not expected to be closed in the future.

Kaiser is a professor and chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope comprehensive cancer center in Duarte, California. He spoke with CURE about the potential benefits of receiving a colostomy and why it is important for patients to not approach this treatment with skepticism.

Transcript:

When we see patients, we sometimes [must] tell them, 'Unfortunately, you need to have a permanent colostomy.' A common statement [from patients is then], 'I'd rather die than have a colostomy.' That goes in the wrong direction because the cancer [won’t] necessarily kill you that quickly. However, if you have a cancer right at the [bowel] exit, it will grow and cause a mess. It may grow into the vagina, the bladder or the bone, causing pain and [strong] smell.

It's not just from one to the other moment you fall dead, but you go through a long period of suffering, and you may need a colostomy just [due to] the bowel blocks. It is understandably frustrating if you're faced with an outlook that you need a permanent bag. [However,] on the other hand, if you can do it while you still can cure that cancer, you preserve your health, your life, and in the end, you prevent many nasty complications that the tumor will create if you leave it in there.

Soometimes the reality is not the one that the patient would like to hear, but it's still in their best interest to not go into [denial].

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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