Quality of Life and Complications in Stoma Care
Summary
Stoma care encompasses the management of surgically created openings for diversion of faecal or urinary output and represents a critical interface between surgical intervention and patient wellbeing. Quality of life in stoma patients is shaped by a complex interplay of physical, psychological and social factors. Physically, common complications include skin irritation, parastomal hernia, stoma prolapse, retraction and mucocutaneous separation, all of which can impair daily function and increase healthcare utilisation. Psychologically, changes in body image, fear of leakage, stigma and alterations in sexual function contribute to emotional distress. Socially, disruptions to employment, leisure and intimate relationships may occur. Self-management skills, patient education and multidisciplinary support are central to optimising outcomes. Advances in pouching systems, telehealth interventions and tailored rehabilitation programmes offer new avenues to enhance autonomy. Globally, resource disparities shape access to specialised stoma care, underlining the need for adaptable guidelines and capacity building. Effective stoma care thus requires integration of surgical expertise, nursing support, psychological counselling and innovations in technology to preserve dignity and overall wellbeing.
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Quality of Life and Complications in Stoma Care publication trend
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Technical terms
Stoma: Surgically created opening on the abdominal wall diverting faecal or urinary flow.
Ecological momentary assessment: Real-time data collection method capturing individuals’ experiences and behaviours in daily life.
Self-efficacy: Individual’s belief in their capacity to execute tasks and manage personal challenges.
Parastomal hernia: Protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall defect adjacent to a stoma.
Mucocutaneous separation: Detachment of stoma mucosa from surrounding skin, leading to leakage and peristomal skin complications.
References
- AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Ostomies: Commentary. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2023).
- Ecological Momentary Assessment of the Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy Among People With a Stoma: Longitudinal Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2025).
- Surgical management of ostomy complications: a MISSTO–WSES mapping review. World Journal of Emergency Surgery (2023).
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