Colostomy Effluent: Composition, Consistency, and Frequency

The effluent from the stoma of a patient with colostomy is a mixture of stool, mucus, and digestive enzymes. The consistency of the effluent can vary from liquid to semi-solid, and the frequency of bowel movements can range from several times a day to once or twice a week. The composition of the effluent is also influenced by the patient's diet and medications.