colostomy

[kuh-los-tuh-mee]

noun

Surgery.

plural

colostomies 

1. the construction of an artificial opening from the colon through the abdominal wall, thus bypassing a diseased portion of the lower intestine and permitting the passage of intestinal contents.

2. the opening so constructed.

colostomy

/ kəˈlɒstəmɪ /

noun

1. the surgical formation of an opening from the colon onto the surface of the body, which functions as an anus

colostomy

1. Surgical construction of an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall to the outside of the body for the purpose of excretion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of colostomy¹

First recorded in 1885–90; colo- + -stomy

Example Sentences

“The worst was the colorectal cancer, because I had to ski with a colostomy bag,” he said.

From Seattle Times

A colostomy bag was attached to his torso.

From BBC

She lives in Kisumu county and only had her colostomy operation a week before the workshop.

From BBC

Ms Mannis, who has a colostomy bag fitted, was told her case was "too complex" and advised to go private instead.

From BBC

In that same year, Mrs Castle read an article by a triathlete with a stoma and had a "lightbulb moment" when she realised the woman's colostomy was still enabling her to live an active life.

From BBC