What is a surgical operation to remove parts of the colon and create an artificial opening?

The correct choice is a surgical operation known as a colostomy, which involves removing part of the colon and creating an artificial opening (stoma) that allows for the passage of stool. This procedure may be necessary due to various medical conditions affecting the colon, such as cancer, diverticulitis, or traumatic injury.

The creation of the stoma allows waste to leave the body when the normal bowel movement route is disrupted or removed, thus addressing issues related to bowel function and promoting quality of life for patients who can no longer use their rectum for evacuation.

The other options listed pertain to different medical contexts or conditions. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, which is not a surgical procedure. A heart attack is a medical emergency related to the heart’s health, involving the interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle, and thus unrelated to colon surgery. Terminal illness refers to diseases that have no cure and lead to death, focusing on end-stage health conditions rather than specific surgical interventions or procedures.