What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening (stoma) from the large intestine to the outside of the abdomen. This is typically done when a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed due to conditions such as cancer, bowel disease, or injury. After the surgery, waste is expelled through the stoma into a colostomy bag, allowing patients to manage their waste without going through the rectum.

This procedure is crucial for individuals who cannot use their gastrointestinal tract normally and requires special care and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the function and implications of a colostomy is particularly important for nurse assistants, as they often provide care and support for patients with such procedures. The choosing of this option indicates a solid grasp of medical terminology related to surgical interventions.