This may include removal of the lower colon and bladder.

Sometimes the colostomy is needed only until the lower colon has healed, and then it can be reversed.

If the doctor needs to remove the entire lower colon, however, the colostomy may be permanent.

It's not like the old sigmoidoscopies, which were blunt instruments examining the lower colon.

"Copper, run a scan and make sure the lower colon is intact."

Often only the lower (sigmoid) colon is affected, but it can occur higher up, too.

Some objects can become lodged above the lower colon and could be seriously difficult to remove.