Considerations for managing stoma complications in the community

Complications related to stoma surgery can occur immediately post surgery or following discharge from hospital, and will either resolve spontaneously or become a difficult management problem for both the stoma patient and healthcare practitioner. In the early stages of rehabilitation, the patient with a stoma relies heavily on the expertise of the healthcare practitioner to assist them in returning to the lifestyle they once enjoyed. Literature acknowledges that adjustment to life with a stoma depends largely on whether complications following the creation of a stoma are persistent (Bekkers et al, 1996; Taylor, 1999; Cottam and Richards, 2006). Evidence demonstrates that prolonged unresolved stoma problems hinder adaptation and adjustment to the stoma (Bekkers et al, 1996; Williams et al, 2010), therefore, it is important for the healthcare practitioner to be well informed and skilled regarding common stoma problems. This article aims to highlight common stoma complications and offer guidance on evidence-based management of such problems to inform healthcare practitioners working in the community setting.