A surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall through which a portion of the colon is brought to the surface, allowing waste to be collected in an external bag. It may be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying condition.
From Greek 'kolon' (large intestine) and 'stoma' (mouth or opening), literally meaning 'colon opening.' The procedure was first described in the 18th century but became more refined and widely used in the 20th century with improved surgical techniques and appliances.
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