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Stoma Care (Colostomy / Ileostomy)

Professional care and quality-of-life management for stomas created by exteriorizing the small or large bowel through the abdominal wall.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Genel Cerrahi department. Book Appointment →

What is Stoma Care (Colostomy / Ileostomy)?

A stoma is the surgical exteriorization of the bowel through the abdominal wall due to causes such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, or obstetric injury. A colostomy is fashioned from the large bowel and an ileostomy from the small bowel; both can be temporary or permanent.

Stoma management includes selecting an appropriate pouch/baseplate system, protecting peristomal skin integrity, monitoring output consistency and volume, and early detection of complications. The stoma nurse (enterostomal therapist) is an indispensable member of this process.

Early complications include necrosis, retraction, and skin separation; late complications include parastomal hernia, prolapse, stenosis, and irritant dermatitis.

Symptoms

Normal stoma: pink-red, moist mucosa, regular output
Necrosis: dark purple-black discoloration, foul odor
Retraction: stoma sinking below skin level, leakage problems
Prolapse: bowel segment extending outward beyond the abdominal wall
Parastomal hernia: swelling and pain around the stoma
Peristomal dermatitis: redness, itching, erosion

Risk Factors

Obesity (makes pouch adherence difficult)
Previous abdominal surgeries and scar tissue
Corticosteroid use (impairs wound healing)
Abdominal area treated with radiotherapy
Diabetes (decreased skin integrity)
Inadequate patient education and follow-up

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Stoma color turning bluish or black (sign of necrosis)
  • Cessation of stoma output for more than 24 hours (obstruction)
  • Excessive redness, ulceration, or bleeding around the stoma
  • Painful enlarging swelling around the stoma (hernia or prolapse)
  • Blood in the output or abnormal odor
  • Frequent stoma pouch leakage and skin breakdown

Treatment Methods

01
Optimal preoperative stoma site marking (with the stoma therapist)
02
Selection of appropriate convex or flat baseplate-pouch system (according to output consistency)
03
Peristomal skin care: barrier products, skin protective rings, and pastes
04
Surgical revision for necrosis and retraction; manual reduction or reoperation for prolapse
05
Support belt for parastomal hernia; surgical repair for large or symptomatic hernias
06
Psychosocial support: stoma support groups and quality-of-life scales to monitor patient adaptation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Genel Cerrahi department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.