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What is the difference between a stoma and a colostomy?
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A stoma is an artificial opening in the abdomen created to allow waste to pass from the body. It is usually created as part of a surgical procedure, such as a colostomy or ileostomy. A colostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows fecal matter to be passed through it. An ileostomy is similar but instead of using a stoma, the surgeon creates an opening at the end of the small intestine.