Medical Terminology · Digestive System · Medium
Colostomy
Meaning: A surgical opening bringing part of the large bowel through the abdominal wall to drain into a bag.
In practice: After bowel surgery he had a colostomy bag fitted and was taught by the stoma nurse how to change it.
Word parts
- -ostomy means surgically made opening
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: The use of multiple medications by one patient, increasing risk of interactions and side effects.
Answer: Polypharmacy
Which word means: Deformity or stress in which the distal part of a limb is angled towards the midline.
Answer: Varus
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