Which type of colostomy is typically performed in cases of trauma, such as a gunshot wound?

A temporary colostomy is generally utilized in cases of trauma, such as a gunshot wound, to allow for the healing of the affected area, particularly if there is a need to divert stool away from a damaged section of the colon. This type of colostomy is often performed as part of an emergency intervention to manage injury-related complications, such as perforation or contamination in the abdominal cavity.

In trauma cases, the focus is on stabilizing the patient's condition and ensuring that the gastrointestinal system has time to repair itself. Once healing has taken place, this colostomy can often be reversed, restoring normal bowel function. A temporary colostomy is specifically designed with the intent of being closed and reversed later, in contrast to a permanent colostomy, which is meant to be lifelong, or a partial one, which does not divert the entire distal portion of the bowel.