colon cancer

How long after colon surgery does the colostomy bag need to stay on my father? they say 4 to 6 month? but, it's too long. he only has stage one cancer, and they took the tumor out already. they also took 30 centimeter of colon out, why does it take take so long for the colon to be put back?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  There are so many variables to consider when deciding whether to put back the colon ("re-anastomosis") or retain the colostomy. You should ask your father's surgeon about this since he is in the best position to answer this question.