Stoma site marking: a primer

The purpose of pre-operative stoma site marking is to select an appropriate location in an area of the abdomen for surgical placement of a stoma. A poorly located stoma may result in pouching problems, increase potential for leakage, and place undue hardship and emotional trauma on the patient. The type of ostomy surgery must be known to select the appropriate abdominal quadrant to be marked. The ideal stoma site is located below the umbilicus, within the rectus muscle, away from scars, creases, bony prominences, umbilicus, and belt line, on the summit of the infraumbilical fat mound, and visible to the patient. It is vital for the clinician to be aware of any extenuating circumstances of the patient that may alter the site selection. Optimal stoma site placement will promote self-care and rehabilitation of the patient.