About

A stoma is generally an opening in the abdomen to allow a diversion in the extractor tract to evacuate waste materials. The surgeon may choose to give you a stoma if you have cancer in the bladder or bowel, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or any health condition that compromises the functionality of your bladder or bowel.

The stoma is generally the end of the active part of the excretory tract, and it sticks out on the abdomen to form a bud-like structure. After you get a stoma, you are going to have to take care of it to prevent complications. These complications can contribute to making the quality of life poor.

In this article, we will talk about some most common stoma complications and the ways to manage those complications.

Stoma site

The site of the stoma has a big say in the stoma care regimen. An ostomy nurse must choose an appropriate location for the stoma by taking note of the changes in the belly when the patient sits, stands, and lie down. Skin folds develop in the abdomen when the patient sits. Similarly, there may be changes in the abdominal skin when the patient stands or lies down on the back and both sides. The nurse has to make sure that the skin around the stoma remains flat regardless of the body posture. Selecting an inappropriate location can lead to the patient requiring another surgery for a change in the stoma site.

Parastomal infections

Parastomal infections include problems like fistulae and abscess. Abscesses are more common, and they occur as a result of poor preparation of the skin during the preoperative period. In some cases, the peristomal complications occur as a result of the stomal output coming in contact with the peristomal skin. Such complications are preventable through the selection of the right pouching system. In case these complications occur, you can get rid of them by using certain skincare products. You may have to ask from an ostomy care nurse, though.

Parastomal hernias

Parastomal hernias occur in the region adjacent to the site of the stoma. The common reason for this hernia is the weakness of muscles in that part of the skin. This problem is more common in patients with colostomies. There are several surgical options to treat this hernia. In some cases, a hernia may go away by massaging. It is imperative to avoid doing something on your own. You should contact your nurse or doctor for the right treatment.

Stoma retraction

Your stoma might retract as a result of inadequate bowel mobilization, which typically happens with obese people. There are several ways your doctor can initiate bowel mobilization to restore the supply of blood to the peristomal area.

Prolapsed stoma

Prolapsing of the stoma refers to the stoma’s abnormal protrusion that results in the inner layer of the bowel to show up on the outside. It may happen as a result of poor abdominal muscle tone, obesity, old age, and increased intra-abdominal pressure due to sneezing and coughing. You should contact your doctor when you notice this. Surgical intervention may be the most likely solution to this problem.