Which procedure is commonly done to provide a pathway for stool after colonic surgery?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) from the colon to the abdominal wall, allowing stool to exit the body. This procedure is commonly performed when a part of the colon is removed or needs to rest after surgery due to conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or injury.

After colonic surgery, a colostomy can help divert waste, facilitating healing and providing a pathway for stool when normal bowel function is compromised. This is especially important in cases where the remaining colon is not healthy enough to process stool, or when temporary diversion is necessary to allow for recovery.

In contrast, a colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the inside of the colon and rectum with a camera, while a colectomy involves the surgical removal of part or all of the colon but does not create a stoma. A cesarean section is a delivery method for babies and does not relate to colonic procedures. Thus, the choice of colostomy clearly stands out as the correct response regarding its role in managing stool passage after colonic surgery.