Final answer:
A cystostomy is a medical procedure where an opening is created in the urinary bladder to allow urine drainage, often due to conditions like severe bladder infection or obstructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cystostomy is a surgical procedure where a new or artificial opening is created in the urinary bladder to facilitate the drainage of urine. The bladder, which is a hollow, muscular, and stretchy organ, collects urine from the kidneys through the ureters, and the collected urine is eventually expelled through urination. This procedure is often necessary when normal urination is not possible due to various medical conditions such as severe bladder infection (cystitis), bladder obstructions, or neurological disorders affecting bladder control.
The urinary bladder's ability to expand and contract makes it a highly distensible organ, allowing it to store varying volumes of urine. The inner surface of the bladder is lined with transitional epithelium which is adaptive to these volume changes. In a cystostomy, the surgically created opening can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying health issue that necessitates this procedure.