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.
Main Entry: co·los·to·my Pronunciation: k&-'läs-t&-mE Function: noun Inflected Form: plural-mies : surgical formation of an artificial anus by connecting the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall —compare COLOTOMY