What is the procedure called that creates an opening between the intestine and the body surface for waste elimination?

The procedure that creates an opening between the intestine and the body surface for waste elimination is known as a colostomy. During a colostomy, a portion of the colon is diverted to an opening in the abdominal wall, allowing waste to exit the body into a collecting bag. This may be necessary due to conditions that affect the normal functioning of the intestines, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or traumatic injury.

This is distinct from a colonoscopy, which is a diagnostic procedure that involves the examination of the colon using a flexible camera to check for abnormalities but does not involve creating an opening. An appendectomy refers to the surgical removal of the appendix and does not relate to waste elimination through an opening in the intestine. A gastrostomy involves the creation of an opening in the stomach for feeding, rather than for waste elimination from the intestines. Thus, the colostomy procedure is specifically designed to provide a pathway for fecal matter to exit the body when the normal route is compromised.