A stoma is an artificial opening created surgically on the surface of the body. It is often made to redirect the flow of bodily substances, such as feces or urine, from an internal organ to the outside.
Stomas are typically necessary when there is a blockage or disease in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract that prevents normal waste elimination.
They are commonly used in medical procedures like colostomies (diverting the colon) or urostomies (diverting the urinary tract). Patients with stomas often use specialized bags or pouches to collect and manage the expelled waste. Stomas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical condition.