colostomy

A surgical procedure that may be done when a major part of the large intestine is removed, generally due to cancer, illness, infection or trauma. A colostomy reroutes the path of the colon from its normal route for elimination of bodily waste. The doctor will make a new artificial opening to the outside of the body through which the colon will deliver waste for excretion from the body. The location of the colostomy may vary depending on the extent and location of colon removal. Depending on the circumstances, a colostomy may be temporary or permanent.