In anatomy, a stoma (plural: stomata or stomas) is any opening in the body. In medical/surgical contexts, it specifically refers to a temporary or permanent opening created on a body surface, especially the abdomen or throat, through a surgical procedure such as a colostomy or tracheostomy. The word stoma or ostomy is derived from the Latin word ostium, which means opening or mouth. An intestinal stoma is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. There are three main types of stomas: colostomy (from the large bowel), ileostomy (from the small bowel), and urostomy (urinary stoma). Each stoma can be either permanent or temporary depending on the medical condition. The stoma allows waste (feces or urine) to be diverted from its normal path and exit the body into a collection pouch.
greek
Origin: Late 17th century; modern Latin, from Greek
Greek Root: στόμα (stoma), meaning “mouth” or “opening”
Latin Connection: Related to Latin word “ostium” meaning opening or mouth
Pronunciation: /ˈstoʊ.mə/ (plural: stomata /ˈstoʊ.mə.tə/ or stomas)
First Medical Use: The term has been used in medical terminology since the 17th century
Related Terms
Term
Definition
Ostomy
Surgical procedure creating a stoma; suffix “-stomy” means creating an opening
Note: ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are typically 3-7 characters. ICD-10-PCS procedure codes are always 7 characters. CPT codes are 5 digits. Some codes may require additional characters/modifiers based on specific clinical circumstances. The three most common types of ostomies are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Each ostomy procedure is done for different medical reasons
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