ABSTRACT
The creation of intestinal stomas for diversion of enteric contents is an important
component of the surgical management of several disease processes. However, complications
of stoma creation are seen frequently, despite extensive measures aimed at reducing
them. Early complications (those seen less than one month postoperatively) are frequently
technical in nature. These include, but are not limited to, peristomal skin irritation,
improper stoma site selection, acute peristomal herniation and bowel obstruction,
and vascular compromise, along with several others. These authors review the early
complications associated with stoma creation, discuss means of preventing them, and
outline the management strategy for such complications when they do occur.
KEYWORDS
Early complications - stomas - ileostomy - colostomy
