Abstract
Stoma-related complications are among the most common sources of perioperative morbidity
in colorectal surgery. Complications can occur intraoperatively, in the immediate
postoperative period, or even months to years after stoma creation. Although some
will require urgent surgical intervention, most are treated nonoperatively with a
combination of education, appliance adjustment, and behavioral intervention. Optimal
management of stoma complications nearly always requires a multidisciplinary team
approach, including surgeons, enterostomal therapists, and other allied health professionals,
depending on the specific situation. Patients with a functional stoma should be expected
to be able to do anything that patients without a stoma can do with minimal exceptions.
The treatment of stoma complications therefore centers on improving stoma function
and maximizing quality of life. Although timely and comprehensive intervention will
result in the resolution of most stoma complications, there is no substitute for preoperative
planning and meticulous stoma creation.
Keywords
stoma - surgical complications - colorectal surgery
