Question:
What is the stoma?

I really thought I knew the answer to this one before I had surgery but lately I've been questioning myself. I've also looked in the library and couldn't find the answer. Could someone please tell me exactly what the stoma is? Also, what is the anastomosis (sp?)? Thanks.    — Kristie B. (posted on May 16, 2002)

May 16, 2002
A stoma is any artificially-created hole... thus, the new outlet from the pouch to the intestine is a stoma. Similarly, an anastomosis is the point at which two structures are surgically connected... so surgeons make an anastomosis between the pouch and the intestine. Hope this helps!!-- sarah b, graduating from medical school in 3 days *and* 20 days post-RNY
   — Sarah B.