What is the function of the colostomy bag? Know the procedure done by Preta Gil

Singer Preta Gil shared a video on her social networks last Sunday (26), in which she reported that she had to place a permanent colostomy bag after surgery that is part of bowel cancer treatment.

Several followers were concerned and the subject yielded questions in the networks about the need for the procedure. But, after all, how does it work?

According to the São Paulo State Department of Health, the surgery performed by the singer externalizes a part of the large intestine through the abdomen walls, where the colostomy bag is placed. It is indicated when the organ does not work properly.

The bag, which consists of a waterproofed bag, collects the stool, and is coupled to an adhesive plate to fix it and protect the skin from contact with the material eliminated by the stomach. The procedure is common in people dealing with bowel cancer, such as Black Gil, which had already used a ileostomy bag in 2023. The ileostomy bag is a surgical intervention in the small intestine.

There are several types of collectors and the indication depends on the type of stoma, eliminated material, age, lifestyle and other factors that should be evaluated by the medical team. They can still be temporary or permanent.

The SUS (Unified Health System) performs more than 10,000 outpatient surgeries per month to place the colostomy bag. It is estimated that in Brazil there are at least 400,000 ostomized, according to federal government data.

Preta Gil performed the procedure at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital in São Paulo and reassured the fans. According to the artist, recovery has been a daily challenge, but it has been cared for by great professionals.