Colostomy patient care. Nurse on a home visit to an elderly patient who has had a colostomy operation. She is attaching a new colostomy bag to a stoma (opening) in the abdominal wall. A stoma is created when part of the bowel is removed because it is obstructed or diseased. The free end of the bowel is passed out through the abdominal wall to form an artificial anus. The bag is attached to this opening to hold the faeces. Most people can continue to lead active lives after a colostomy, provided they are trained in care of the stoma and in replacing their colostomy bags.