1. a surgical operation in which part of the colon is diverted to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall
Usage: medical
2. the artificial opening created by such an operation
Usage: medical

Examples

• The patient required a colostomy after the bowel surgery.
• She learned to care for her colostomy with help from the nursing staff.
• The doctor explained that the colostomy would be temporary.
• Modern colostomy bags are much more comfortable than older versions.
• He returned to normal activities six weeks after his colostomy.
• The colostomy allowed waste to bypass the damaged section of intestine.