What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is defined as a surgically created opening between the colon and the body's surface, allowing waste to be excreted into a collection bag outside the body. This procedure is typically performed when a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed due to disease, injury, or other medical conditions that necessitate the removal or rest of the colon.

The formation of a colostomy can significantly aid in managing bowel function, provide relief from obstructions, and improve the quality of life for individuals with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Understanding this procedure is crucial for nursing assistants, as they often provide care for patients with colostomies, including skincare around the stoma and education on how to manage the colostomy bag effectively.

Other choices describe different medical concepts: the process of emptying urine from the bladder relates to urination, involuntary loss of urine refers to incontinence, and a urinary catheter is a device used to drain urine from the bladder. These terms do not pertain to the surgical procedure associated with a colostomy.