Stomas (Colostomy and Ileostomy)

Small bowel and colonic stomas are created to divert the fecal stream away from a healing anastomosis or in the setting of ill-functioning or absent colon, rectum and/or anus. Perioperative patient and caregiver education is critical to good outcomes. Stoma site marking is an important step in preoperative preparation. During construction, care should be taken to preserve adequate blood supply, avoid tension, and mature the stoma properly. Patients with stomas should be monitored in the immediate postoperative period for early stoma complications. The surgeon should also be vigilant in recognizing and treating late stoma complications.