Final answer:
An ileostomy is a surgical opening created in the abdomen wall, where the ileum is brought out to form a stoma, and a collection bag is attached for waste, often due to a non-functioning or absent colon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical opening in the wall of the abdomen with a plastic bag in place to collect digestive waste is known as an ileostomy. An ileostomy is typically created when a patient cannot use their colon to pass waste, often due to illness or injury. In this procedure, the distal part of the small intestine, specifically the ileum, is brought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma.
A bag-like adhesive appliance is then attached around the stoma to collect the chyme, which cannot progress through the digestive system naturally. This alternative method for waste elimination is sometimes necessary when the colon or rectum is not functioning properly or has been removed due to conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or diverticulitis.