An overview of stoma bridges and a case study on their management

Over recent years, very little appears to have been written on stoma bridges or rods, which are additional supportive mechanisms for loop stomas. Within St Mary's NHS Trust, bridges are commonly used following the construction of a loop stoma (ileostomy, colostomy, and loop transverse colostomy), and the author has become accustomed to their presence. However, in conversing with other stoma care nurses across the country, it has become apparent that not all institutes, trusts, or other hospitals use bridges, and it would seem that some have not done so for many years. Intrigued by these devices, the author decided to take a closer look at their use, appearance and purpose. This will provide other stoma care nurses, as well as general nurses, with a better understanding of what they are and why some surgeons still use them. A short case study is also presented, discussing how a bridge was managed in the post-operative period when an appliance became insecure and the bridge was immobile and tight against the abdominal surface/plane.