A temporary ostomy appliance is disclosed, including a catheter for extending through the abdominal wall into the intestine. The catheter may be a transcecal catheter for extending through the cecal valve into the ileum. A portion of a catheter that extends through the cecal valve is made collapsible when the catheter is empty. The collapsed portion expands to permit passage of effluent. A balloon carried on the catheter is preformed with a shape and size in order to permit inflation without elastic stretching of the balloon wall material. A filament is provided for permitting a portion of the catheter to be fastened to internal body tissue by surgical sutures or staples. In order to release the fastening without further surgery, the filament is withdrawn by pulling on a proximal portion outside the body.