Which procedure involves the surgical formation of a connection between the stomach and the abdominal wall?

The procedure that involves the surgical formation of a connection between the stomach and the abdominal wall is known as gastrostomy. This procedure creates an opening, called a stoma, through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach. It is typically performed for patients who cannot eat by mouth due to a variety of medical conditions, allowing for nutrition to be delivered directly into the stomach through a feeding tube.

In contrast, the other procedures listed serve different purposes: open gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it to the small intestine to facilitate weight loss through reduced food intake; cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, primarily to treat gallstones; and gastrectomy entails the partial or total removal of the stomach, generally due to conditions like cancer or severe ulcers. Understanding the specific objectives and techniques of these procedures can help in differentiating them effectively.