cecostomy /sēkos″təmē/ [L, caecus + Gk, stoma, mouth] , the surgical construction of an opening into the cecum, performed as a temporary measure to relieve intestinal obstruction in a patient who cannot tolerate major surgery. With the patient under local anesthesia, a tube is inserted into the cecum to allow drainage of feces. The procedure may also be done to decompress the large bowel and prevent distention until peristalsis is restored after intestinal surgery. Also spelled caecostomy. See also abdominal surgery, intestinal obstruction.
