Which procedure involves opening the colon to the abdominal surface?

The procedure that involves opening the colon to the abdominal surface is known as a colostomy. In this surgical procedure, a section of the colon is brought out through the abdominal wall to create an opening, called a stoma. This is typically performed to divert waste from the colon due to various medical conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or traumatic injuries. The stoma allows for waste to exit the body into a specially designed bag, making it a critical procedure for patients who cannot use their intestines normally.

In contrast, an ostomy is a broader term that refers to any surgical procedure that creates an opening in the body for the discharge of bodily wastes, but does not specify that it involves the colon specifically. An appendectomy is a different operation that involves the removal of the appendix, and herniorrhaphy is the surgical repair of a hernia, which does not involve opening the colon. Thus, colostomy is the specific procedure that directly answers the question about opening the colon to the abdominal surface.