Key Concepts

• Preoperative stoma site marking and patient education improve stoma-related clinical outcomes, patient quality of life and experience, while decreasing healthcare resource utilization.
• The finished stoma should protrude from the skin, thereby improving the seal between the appliance and the peristomal skin and decreasing complications.
• Optimal care for patients undergoing ostomy surgery includes preoperative and postoperative care by an ostomy nurse specialist, such as a WOCN-certified nurse.
• Early stoma-related complications such as leakage, peristomal dermatitis, and dehydration can often be remedied with stoma care and patient education.
• Loop ileostomy is preferred over transverse loop colostomy for temporary fecal diversion in most circumstances.
• Stapled and hand-sutured techniques are both acceptable for loop ileostomy closure.