What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is defined as a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body. This procedure is typically performed when a portion of the colon is removed or needs to be bypassed due to conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or bowel obstruction. The opening, known as a stoma, allows waste to exit the body into a colostomy bag instead of being expelled through the rectum. This intervention is essential for patients who cannot have normal bowel movements due to their medical condition.

The other options pertain to different medical procedures: repairing the vast deferens relates to male reproductive health, endometrial surgery refers to procedures involving the lining of the uterus, and inserting a feeding tube is associated with providing nutrition directly when a patient cannot eat by mouth. Each of these options addresses distinct and unrelated medical issues, thereby clarifying why the first choice is the most accurate definition of a colostomy.