A stoma is a surgically created opening between a hollow viscus and the skin. Abdominal stomas are used to divert the flow of bowel contents or urine into a bag attached to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall. It is estimated that 1 in 500 people in the UK are currently living with a stoma, and approximately 13 500 people undergo stoma formation every year. Understanding why patients have stomas, how these should be managed, and what potential complications may arise from their formation can help healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. It is also important to appreciate the impact of a stoma on a patient and how this may affect quality of life.
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