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.
Colostomy fundamentally changes how waste leaves the body, but modern pouching systems are so advanced that many people with colostomies lead completely normal, active lives including swimming and sports! The creation of an artificial opening demonstrates medicine's ability to reroute normal body functions when disease blocks the natural pathway.
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