What is a stoma?

What is a stoma?

• A. A surgically created opening for waste to exit into an external pouch.
• B. A natural opening for waste elimination.
• C. A device used to monitor urinary output.
• D. A type of medical tape used to secure dressings.

Answer: (A)

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body into an external pouch. It happens when part of the bowel or urinary tract is redirected to the abdominal surface, and waste is collected in a pouching system attached to the skin around the stoma. The stoma can be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical situation. It is not a natural opening like the anus, nor a device for monitoring urinary output, nor a type of tape used to secure dressings.

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body into an external pouch. It happens when part of the bowel or urinary tract is redirected to the abdominal surface, and waste is collected in a pouching system attached to the skin around the stoma. The stoma can be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical situation. It is not a natural opening like the anus, nor a device for monitoring urinary output, nor a type of tape used to secure dressings.