Dictionary

colorectal cancer See cancer, colon.

colostomy An artificial exit from the colon created to divert waste through a hole in the colon and through the wall of the abdomen. A colostomy is commonly performed by severing the colon and then attaching the end leading to the stomach to the skin, through the wall of the abdomen. At the exterior opening…

colostomy, iliac A colostomy in which the exterior opening (stoma) is located on the lower-left side of the abdomen.

colostomy, transverse A colostomy in which the exterior opening (stoma) is located on the upper abdomen.

colostomy bag A removable, disposable bag that attaches to the exterior opening of a colostomy (stoma) to permit sanitary collection and disposal of bodily wastes.

colostrum A sticky white or yellow fluid secreted by the breasts during the second half of pregnancy and for a few days after birth, before breast milk comes in. It is high in protective antibodies that boost the newborn’s immune system.

colpo- Prefix referring to the vagina.

colpopexy The use of stitches to bring a displaced vagina back into position against the abdominal wall.

colpoptosis A condition in which the vagina has dropped from its normal position against the abdominal wall.

colporrhaphy Surgical repair of the vagina.

colposcopy A procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope (or vaginoscope) is used to examine the vagina and cervix.

colpotomy A surgical incision in the vagina.