Current Status of the Prevention and Treatment of Stoma Complications. A Narrative Review

Abstract The aim of our study was to perform a review of the literature to assess the results of prevention and treatment of stoma complications. Medline, EMBASE medical database and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2012. Stomal complications are prevalent and associated with a worse quality of life and increased health-economic burdens. The most common complications are attributed to stoma construction. Attention to the finer technical points performed by experienced surgeons reduces morbidity. The use of mesh reduces the risk of parastomal hernia and recurrence rates in hernia repair. Preoperative stoma site marking and postoperative care by a stomatherapist are crucial for the patients’ successful adaption, improving quality of life, promoting their independence and reducing the rates of complications.