The word "stoma" comes from the Greek language and means an opening into or out of the body and also means mouth.

Every year, thousands of people undergo stoma surgery. For some, the surgery is a lifesaving procedure. For others, the surgery is a result of bowel disease, an accident, or is done to correct a birth defect.

In recent years surgical procedures have improved greatly and many stoma operations are now temporary instead of permanent.
 
Follow the links below to learn more about stomas.