The Pursuit of Colostomy Continence

In Brief The lifelong management required by patients with permanent colostomies leads to dissatisfaction with quality of life for many. Through the years, multiple techniques have been attempted to improve the quality of life by pursuing colostomy continence. Such endeavors include surgical interventions, nonsurgical devices and management, and behavior modification techniques. Efforts in research and development continue, and the desire to achieve continence of the stoma remains a common cause among persons with an ostomy and those involved in their care. A review of previous and ongoing attempts to create a “continent” colostomy.