What is the term for a surgical opening connecting the ileum (small intestine) to the abdominal wall?

The surgical opening that connects the ileum, which is part of the small intestine, to the abdominal wall is termed an ileostomy. This procedure is typically performed when a portion of the intestine needs to be bypassed or removed due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or other intestinal issues. By creating an ileostomy, waste is diverted away from the damaged sections of the intestines and allows for the removal of waste directly from the ileum into a collection bag outside of the body.

This is a specialized procedure designed specifically for the ileum, which distinguishes it from other related procedures that involve different parts of the digestive system, such as a colostomy that connects the colon to the abdominal wall or a gastrectomy, which involves the stomach. Similarly, a duodenostomy connects the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to the abdominal wall, not the ileum.