Temporary vs Permanent Ostomy: How Long, Reversal and the Hartmann Procedure

Quick answer: Yes, a colostomy or ileostomy can be temporary. A temporary ostomy protects a healing join or rests the bowel and is usually reversed after about 3–6 months, sometimes longer. A permanent ostomy is made when the rectum or anus is removed, or when reconnecting the bowel isn't safe. Your surgeon decides which one, often before surgery.

Temporary vs Permanent Ostomy is one of the most common questions patients ask when facing bowel surgery. Understanding whether an ostomy is temporary or permanent helps reduce anxiety and allows people to plan for recovery and long-term life.

In many cases, an ostomy is created to protect healing tissue or bypass a damaged section of bowel. In other situations, a permanent ostomy is the safest option for long-term health.

Why some ostomies are temporary and others permanent

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The decision between a temporary vs permanent ostomy depends on the underlying condition, the extent of bowel damage, and the patient’s overall health.

Colostomy temporary vs permanent

A temporary colostomy is often used to allow the bowel to heal after inflammation, infection, or surgery. A permanent colostomy is created when reconnection of the bowel is not possible or would be unsafe.

Medical guidance from the NHS explains when colostomies may be temporary or permanent: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colostomy/

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Temporary vs permanent ostomy at a glance

	Temporary ostomy	Permanent ostomy
Why it's made	To protect a new join, rest inflamed bowel, or after an emergency	The rectum and/or anus are removed, or reconnecting isn't possible or safe
Common types	Loop ileostomy, loop colostomy, end colostomy after a Hartmann's procedure	End colostomy after an APR, end ileostomy after removal of the colon and rectum
How long	Usually 3–6 months, sometimes a year or more	For life
Reversal	Planned, after tests show the bowel has healed	Not possible
Can it change?	Some temporary stomas become permanent, by choice or for safety	Very rarely

A temporary loop stoma looks a little different from a permanent end stoma; our guide to loop ileostomy and loop colostomy explains the difference.

Temporary ostomy surgery

Can you have a temporary ostomy?

Yes. Many people have a temporary ostomy as part of treatment for bowel cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or bowel injury.

What is a temporary stoma?

A temporary stoma is an opening created in the abdomen to divert waste away from a healing section of bowel. It is intended to be reversed once healing is complete.

Temporary ostomy bag

A temporary ostomy bag collects waste while the bowel heals. Modern bags are designed to be discreet, secure, and comfortable during recovery. Soft ostomy bag covers can add to that.

Can an ostomy bag be temporary?

Yes. In many cases, the ostomy bag is used only for a limited period before reversal surgery is performed.

How long is a temporary ostomy?

A temporary ostomy may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The exact length depends on healing, absence of complications, and overall health.

The Hartmann operation / Hartmann procedure

The Hartmann procedure is a specific type of bowel surgery often discussed in conversations about temporary vs permanent ostomy.

Why a Hartmann procedure is used

A Hartmann procedure is commonly performed in emergency situations such as bowel perforation, severe diverticulitis, or cancer. The diseased section of bowel is removed, and a colostomy is created.

Clinical information from the Mayo Clinic explains colostomy procedures in detail: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colostomy

Reversal after a Hartmann operation

In some cases, a Hartmann procedure can be reversed after recovery. However, reversal depends on healing, absence of complications, and patient fitness for surgery.

Temporary vs Permanent Ostomy and Hartmann Procedure

For the full picture, from why it is done to life with the colostomy and the reversal operation, read our guide to Hartmann's procedure.

What are the alternatives to a colostomy bag?

Internal pouches and other surgeries

Some patients may be candidates for internal pouch surgeries, such as ileoanal pouches, which allow waste to pass without an external bag.

The best-known internal pouch is the J-pouch, made after the colon and rectum are removed, most often for ulcerative colitis. Our guide to J-pouch vs ileostomy compares the two side by side.

When alternatives are not suitable

Alternatives may not be suitable if there is extensive bowel damage, poor healing potential, or risk of serious complications.

Need an ostomy? Here’s what to expect

Talking with your surgical team

Open communication with your surgeon and stoma care nurse is essential. They can explain whether your ostomy is likely temporary or permanent and what recovery will involve.

Planning for life right after surgery

Planning includes learning ostomy care, arranging support at home, and using supportive garments to improve comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a “temporary” ostomy last?

A temporary ostomy can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on healing and medical advice.

Can every temporary colostomy be reversed?

No. While many temporary colostomies are reversed, some become permanent if reversal is not safe.

What is the Hartmann procedure and why is it done?

The Hartmann procedure removes a diseased section of bowel and creates a colostomy, often in emergency situations.

What are the main alternatives to a colostomy bag?

Alternatives include internal pouch surgeries, but they are not suitable for every patient.

How do I know if my ostomy will be permanent?

Your surgeon will assess healing potential, overall health, and surgical risks to determine if reversal is possible.

How long can you have a temporary colostomy bag?

Most temporary colostomies are reversed after about 3–6 months, once the bowel has healed and you have recovered. Some stay a year or longer, for example during chemotherapy, and some people decide to keep theirs.

Can a temporary ostomy become permanent?

Yes. If a reversal would not be safe, or would not improve your life, a temporary ostomy can stay. Some people also choose to keep it because they feel well with the stoma.

Is a temporary ostomy bag different from a permanent one?

No. You use the same kind of pouches and wafers either way. What differs is the stoma itself: temporary stomas are often loop stomas, which can be wider and need a careful fit.

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Written by María G. · hola@siilostomy.com · Last updated: October 20, 2026