What is the purpose of a colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening from the colon to the abdominal wall, allowing waste to exit the body when normal bowel function is not possible. The primary purpose of a colostomy is to divert a portion of the colon due to various medical conditions such as cancer, diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction, where the normal route for stool passage is obstructed or damaged.

In this context, a colostomy allows for the safe and effective management of intestinal waste while bypassing the affected area of the colon. This can help protect the integrity of the bowel and allow healing or provide an alternative route for waste elimination if the lower colon or rectum needs to be removed or temporarily bypassed.

Other surgical options listed, such as removing the gallbladder, repairing a hernia, or removing the uterus, serve different purposes and are unrelated to the functions of a colostomy. Each of those procedures addresses specific medical issues that do not involve the creation of an opening in the colon for waste diversion.