n :  an operation for removal of part of the intestine and esp. the colon in stages that involves bringing the diseased portion out of the body, closing the wound around the two parts of the loop which have been sutured together, and cutting off the diseased part leaving a double opening which is later joined by crushing the common wall and closed from the exterior .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.