A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the colon is diverted to an external opening in the abdominal wall, forming a stoma. This creates an alternative pathway for stool to exit the body, bypassing the rectum and anus. Colostomies are often performed in cases of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or injury to the colon. The waste is collected in a bag attached to the stoma.
