Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening in the body for the elimination of bodily wastes: An ostomy is an operation where a surgeon makes an opening (called a stoma) through the abdominal wall. This opening allows bodily waste (such as feces or urine) to exit the body into an external collection pouch, bypassing a diseased or non-functioning part of the digestive or urinary system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After his colon cancer surgery, he required a colostomy.
  • The patient is learning to care for her new ostomy.
  • An ostomy can be a life-saving procedure for people with severe bowel diseases.

Advanced Usage

• "to have an ostomy" / "to live with an ostomy": Common phrases describing a person's medical status.
  • She has adapted well to living with an ostomy.
• "ostomy care": Refers to the management and hygiene of the stoma and collection appliance.
  • Proper ostomy care is essential to prevent skin irritation.

Variants and Related Words

• Stoma (n): The actual artificial opening created during the ostomy surgery.
  • The stoma is usually red and moist, similar to the inside of the mouth.
• -ostomy (suffix): A suffix used in medical terms to denote a specific type of surgical opening. These are related but distinct compound words.
  • Colostomy: An ostomy connecting the colon to the abdominal wall.
  • Ileostomy: An ostomy connecting the ileum (small intestine) to the abdominal wall.
  • Urostomy: An ostomy for urinary diversion.

Synonyms

• Surgical opening: A general descriptive term.
• Enterostomy: A more general medical term for an opening into the intestine.

Related Phrases

• "ostomy appliance" or "ostomy bag": The external pouch that collects waste.
  • He changes his ostomy appliance every few days.
• "ostomy nurse": A specialized healthcare professional (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse) who helps patients manage their ostomy.
  • The ostomy nurse provided excellent training and support.

Noun

1. surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening for the elimination of bodily wastes