Managing physical postoperative stoma complications

Stoma surgery often changes a person's lifestyle and body image permanently, and can negatively influence recovery. Literature consistently demonstrates the profound impact that stoma formation can have on a person, bringing about not only physical changes, but also affecting psychological recovery. For the person who encounters additional problems with their stoma post-surgery, their recovery and return to their normal life in the community may be hindered and never fully complete. The complications associated with a stoma may be categorized into two areas: physical and psychological. For people who experience physical complications after stoma surgery, such as parastomal hernia, prolapse, retraction, obstruction and stenosis, their long-term recovery and adaptation will be hindered. This article explores the physical complications that may occur in people with a stoma and discusses the ways that healthcare professionals can help.