Plural form referring to multiple surgical procedures that create openings between the stomach and small intestine to allow food to bypass a blocked or diseased section.
From gastro- (stomach) + entero- (intestine) + stoma (mouth or opening) + -ies (plural). This surgical term emerged in the 19th century as physicians developed new techniques to treat digestive disorders.
Before modern antacid medications, surgeons would actually cut passages between the stomach and intestines to treat ulcers—it was considered cutting-edge medicine at the time!
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