What type of stool is produced by a transverse colostomy?

A transverse colostomy is performed in the section of the colon called the transverse colon, which is located across the abdomen. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from the stool as it passes through. When stool is diverted through a transverse colostomy, it is typically semi-formed due to the absorption process that still occurs, albeit at a reduced level compared to the normal route through the descending and sigmoid colon.

In a transverse colostomy, patients may experience output that is more liquid than what would be seen with a descending colostomy (which tends to produce more solid output), but considerably more formed than the output from an ileostomy (which produces liquid stool). The semi-formed stool is a result of the partially digested contents mixing with some remaining fluids and nutrients absorbed from the colon. This characteristic is important for care considerations, including stoma management and the patient's diet post-surgery.