What is the purpose of a colostomy?

The purpose of a colostomy is to create an opening between the colon and the abdominal wall. This procedure is typically performed when a part of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed, often due to conditions such as cancer, bowel obstructions, or inflammatory bowel disease. When a colostomy is created, the end of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall, allowing waste to exit the body into a colostomy bag rather than through the rectum. This can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying medical issue being treated.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a colostomy. While removing the appendix is a separate surgical procedure known as an appendectomy, the repair of a hernia involves closing a defect in the abdominal wall. Draining fluid from the abdomen typically refers to a paracentesis or similar procedure, which is different from creating an intestinal diversion such as a colostomy.