What is the purpose of a double-barrel colostomy?

A double-barrel colostomy is performed to create two separate openings in the abdominal wall from the colon, diverting waste from one segment while allowing the other segment to heal or function normally. This procedure is often used in cases of bowel obstruction, trauma, or diseases such as cancer, where a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed. It allows for temporary or permanent diversion of stool, providing an alternative pathway for waste elimination. The two openings are typically referred to as the stoma and serve different purposes in managing bowel function.