Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus: A colostomy is a medical procedure where a surgeon creates an artificial opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall. A section of the colon (large intestine) is then brought to this opening to allow bodily waste to exit the body into a removable pouch, bypassing the rectum and anus.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the surgery for colon cancer, the patient required a temporary colostomy.
  • Learning to care for a colostomy bag is an important part of post-operative recovery.
  • The doctor explained that the colostomy might be reversible in a few months.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a colostomy": to undergo the surgical procedure or to live with the resulting stoma.
  • After the accident, he had to have a colostomy.
• "colostomy care": the management and hygiene practices associated with maintaining a colostomy stoma and pouch.
  • The nurse provided detailed instructions on colostomy care.

Variants and Related Words

• Colostomate (n): A person who has a colostomy.
  • Support groups can be very helpful for new colostomates.
• Stoma (n): The actual opening on the abdomen created during a colostomy or similar procedure.
  • The stoma should be checked daily for signs of irritation.

Synonyms

• Ostomy: A more general term for any surgery that creates an artificial opening from an internal organ to the skin. A colostomy is a specific type of ostomy.
• Enterostomy: A surgical formation of an opening into the intestine. Colostomy is a type of enterostomy involving the colon.

Related Phrases

• Colostomy bag / pouch: A disposable bag attached to the stoma to collect waste.
  • She changed her colostomy bag with practiced ease.
• Colostomy reversal: A follow-up surgical procedure to reconnect the colon and close the stoma.
  • He is looking forward to his colostomy reversal surgery next year.

Noun

1. a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus