What are a stoma and a stoma hernia?
The word "stoma" comes from the Greek *stoma* and means mouth or opening. A stoma involves creating an opening through the abdominal wall to alter the pathway for emptying the bowel or bladder and divert urine and stool into a stoma bag. This opening is created surgically. A stoma may be required due to disease or injury affecting the intestines or urinary tract and can be either permanent or temporary.
