What medical procedure does "-ostomy" describe?

The suffix "-ostomy" specifically refers to the creation of an opening in the body, typically to allow for the discharge of waste or to provide an alternative route for bodily functions. This term is derived from Greek, where "stoma" means "mouth" or "opening."

In medical terminology, when a procedure ends with "-ostomy," it indicates that the surgeon has created a permanent or semi-permanent opening for specific purposes. For example, a colostomy involves creating an opening from the colon to the outside of the body, allowing for waste to exit through that opening instead of the usual route.

This understanding of "-ostomy" clearly aligns with the concept of a process that leads to the establishment of an opening, distinguishing it from other related terms that may imply different actions or procedures.