What is the term for a connection between the small intestine and the colon?

The term that describes a connection between the small intestine and the colon is anastomosis. In surgical practice, anastomosis refers to the surgical connection of two structures, such as blood vessels, bowel segments, or other tubular structures. When performed between the small intestine and the colon, it allows for the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract after resection of a segment.

This procedure is often necessary during surgeries for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or obstructions where part of the bowel is removed. The anastomosis creates a pathway for digestive contents to pass, effectively maintaining proper bowel function.

In contrast to anastomosis, other terms like stenosis refer to a narrowing of a structure, making it less relevant for describing connections. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organ systems, which is not typically a normal anatomical connection and implies a pathological condition. Resection, on the other hand, is the surgical removal of a portion of an organ or tissue, which could lead to a need for anastomosis but does not describe the connection itself. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in surgical terminology and helps clarify the functions and procedures related to the gastrointestinal system.