Which surgical procedure is performed to bypass damaged sections of the colon?

The surgical procedure performed to bypass damaged sections of the colon is known as a colostomy. During a colostomy, an opening (stoma) is created in the abdominal wall, and a portion of the colon is brought through this opening. This allows for the diversion of waste material away from a damaged or diseased section of the colon, either temporarily or permanently.

The colostomy is specifically utilized when part of the colon needs to be bypassed due to conditions such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or traumatic injury. This procedure can help maintain bowel function and improve the quality of life for patients who are unable to pass stool through the normal route.

In contrast, other surgical procedures listed serve different purposes. For instance, a colectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of the colon, which may not necessarily involve creating a stoma unless it's paired with a colostomy when the remaining bowel cannot function adequately. A cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder, and a nephrectomy involves the removal of a kidney, both of which are unrelated to colonic issues. Therefore, colostomy is the appropriate response for bypassing damaged sections of the colon.