Which procedure involves creating an artificial opening for bowel contents to exit through the abdominal wall?

An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an artificial opening called a stoma in the abdominal wall to allow for the passage of bowel contents. This procedure is typically performed when the large intestine (colon) is removed or bypassed, often due to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or severe bowel obstruction.

During an ileostomy, the end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought to the surface of the abdomen, enabling waste to exit the body into a special collection pouch. This alteration of the normal route for waste elimination is essential for individuals whose colons are no longer functioning properly or have been surgically eliminated.

In contrast, colonoscopy and endoscopy are diagnostic procedures that involve the visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract but do not create any openings in the abdominal wall. An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix, which does not involve creating an artificial opening for waste disposal.