Evaluation of Quality of Life and Period of Hospitalization by Education

This study is looking at whether a structured patient education program before surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the length of hospital stay for patients with colorectal cancer who will need a stoma (a surgically created opening in the abdomen for waste removal). **You may be eligible if...** - You have colorectal cancer requiring surgery that will include placement of a stoma - The surgery involves the left side of the colon - You speak German and live in Germany - Your general health status is good enough for the study (ECOG score of 3 or lower) - You have given your informed consent - You will be participating in the standard education program **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your stoma surgery is being done as an emergency procedure - You have dementia - You have already had a stoma in the past - You are already working with a stoma therapist - Your colorectal cancer has come back (recurrence) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.