Getting a Stoma: Addressing Complications

When preparing for a surgical stoma, there are undoubtedly some concerns about potential complications. Like with any surgery, a surgical procedure creating a stoma comes with some risks. Doctors recommend surgical stomas because they believe that they will improve the outcomes of your condition. They will likely review the benefits and risks of the surgery and describe potential complications and their chances. Issues can arise with the stoma opening itself, as well as the area around the stoma, known as the peristomal skin. However, many of these complications can be managed with awareness, proper care, and communication with your medical team. 

Stoma Complications

Studies in Denmark and Canada have found that a major contributing factor to problems with peristomal skin disorders is that. While a significant portion of people who had a stoma had a complication with the peristomal skin, only a minority of people were concerned about it. Most of the people with the complication also did not seek medical help. Although the peristomal skin can have significant rates of complications, especially between six months and two years after stoma surgery, most people do not recognize the risk or know how to address it. There are often no formal procedures in place to follow up after the stoma surgery. However, risk factors for peristomal complications can often be predicted before the surgery takes place.

A good way to prepare for stoma surgery is to discuss certain information with your medical team. First, to determine whether you have any risk factors for complications after surgery. Second, to establish a postoperative follow-up schedule with your surgeon or Enterostomal Therapy Nurse. This way, you will have a system in place to contact in case of any questions or concerns, and also identify and address any potential complications after surgery. 

Addressing Risk Factors

There are some factors to look out for after getting stoma surgery. These can be addressed relatively easily as long as they are addressed early. Consult with your surgeon for information about what a stoma and the surrounding skin contours should look like. Then, you can keep an eye on the area as you recover and address any concerns with your doctor. If your stoma is not in an ideal configuration, it can be corrected with methods such as appropriate pouching. 

For example, excessive weight fluctuation can cause complications to the skin surrounding the stoma. The stoma may also shrink a few weeks after surgery. These two factors may cause the flange around the edge of the stoma to need adjustment. These concerns can be addressed to your medical team and see if flange resizing is needed during your next flange change. 

While the thought of surgery can be worrying, the main thing is to have a clearly laid out plan with the medical professionals involved in your surgery. By checking in and being aware of your body after surgery, you should be able to head off major complications. Be aware and proactive when caring for your stoma after surgery. Your surgeon likely recommended a stoma because they believe it can improve your life, and with proper awareness and follow-up, you can have a smoother recovery.