What is a stoma?

A stoma is defined as an opening that is surgically created to bring a portion of the intestine to the outside of the body. This procedure is typically performed for various medical reasons, such as to divert waste from damaged or diseased parts of the digestive tract. Stomas can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's condition and the purpose of the surgery.

Understanding a stoma is crucial in medical practice, especially when caring for patients who have undergone such procedures. It involves monitoring the site for proper healing, managing any output from the stoma, and educating patients on how to care for it. This ensures the patient's health and comfort after surgery.

The other options describe different medical concepts that do not pertain to the definition of a stoma, thus clarifying why they are not correct.