ABSTRACT
A stoma is an artificial opening which allows a connection between two surfaces. The stoma is marked preoperatively in discussion with the patient and informed consent is obtained. A cruciate incision is made in the rectus sheath and the rectus muscle is bluntly divided to the peritoneum. A length of soft rubber tubing or a colostomy rod is passed through the mesentery and the colon is delivered through the wound. Closure is safest when the stoma has matured, at least 2-3 months following formation of the colostomy. The patient should also have recovered from the primary pathological process that necessitated the stoma. Closure should be performed using an intraperitoneal technique, as it has fewer complications involving faecal fistulae. The chapter describes the complications that can occur in association with a gastrointestinal stoma.
