What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is indeed defined as a surgically created opening of the colon to the abdomen. This procedure is performed when a portion of the colon is removed or bypassed due to disease, injury, or other medical issues. The opening, known as a stoma, allows waste to exit the body into a colostomy bag, rather than passing through the rectum. This is essential for patients who are unable to have normal bowel movements due to various medical conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or obstructions.

The other options hold different meanings and purposes in the medical context. For instance, a temporary closing of the colon refers to a different surgical procedure that may involve suturing or other means to rest the bowel, which is not the same as a colostomy. A type of intestinal blockage refers to a condition where the intestines are obstructed, preventing normal passage of contents, rather than an intentional surgical opening. Lastly, a procedure to remove the gallbladder pertains to cholecystectomy, which is unrelated to the functioning of the colon. Each of these options represents distinct medical concepts, highlighting that a colostomy specifically focuses on creating an alternate route for waste elimination when the normal pathway is compromised.