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To perform a colostomy, the surgeon enters the abdomen and locates the colon, or large intestine (A). A loop of the colon is pulled through the abdominal incision (B); then the colon is cut to allow the insertion of a catheter (C). The skin and tissues are closed around the new opening, called a stoma (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

To remove a portion of the colon, or large intestine, and incision is made in the abdomen to expose the area (A). Tissues and muscles connecting the colon to surrounding organs are severed (B). The area to be removed is clamped and severed (C). The remaining portions of the bowel, the ileum (small intestine) and transverse colon, are connected with sutures (D). Muscles and tissues are repaired (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, an endoscope is introduced into the patient's mouth and fed through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (small intestine) (A). A dye is released into the ducts (B). A series of x rays is taken, and a tumor may be visible with the endoscope (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

A large abdominal incision exposes abdominal and pelvic contents for pelvic exenteration (A). Contents of the lower abdominal cavity, including the rectosigmoid colon, prostate and seminal vesicles (if male), bladder, and any pelvic tumors are removed (B). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

At the site of a previous cancer removal, a radionuclide dye is injected (A and B). The area of maximum radioactivity is traced to a lymph node under the arm (C). The area is cut open, and the lymph node is identified by its blue dye (D). After the lymph node is removed, the area is checked for further radioactivity (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

In an ileoanal anastomosis, a pouch is used to create a large section of bowel whose function replaces that of the large intestine, or colon. In this operation, the ileum (part of the small intestine) is shaped into a W-shaped pouch (A). An incision is made (B) to open up the shape and create the larger pouch, which is left open at one end and brought through the rectal area (C). The bottom of the pouch acts as a new rectum, and a new anus is fashioned (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)