Types of enterostomy, stoma care
1. Big picture
An enterostomy/stoma is a surgically created opening of bowel onto the abdominal wall to allow intestinal contents to exit into an external appliance, to divert, decompress, protect an anastomosis, or occasionally provide enteral feeding. In surgery exams, this topic is not only about naming stomas; it is about knowing why the stoma is made, what type is appropriate, how to construct it safely, how to care for it, and how to recognize dangerous complications.
The examiner usually wants:
What bowel segment?
→ Why is it needed?
→ Temporary or permanent?
→ End or loop?
→ What is normal output?
→ What complications must not be missed?
A stoma may be temporary or permanent. Colostomy brings colon to the abdominal wall; ileostomy brings ileum to the skin and may be temporary or long-term depending on the underlying operation. ([MedlinePlus][1])
Unlock the rest of this topic
Subscribe to Surgery for $10/month and unlock all 66 topics — full exam-structured notes, the State Exam questions integrated into every topic, and the downloadable Anki deck. Cancel anytime.
- ✓All 66 Surgery topics, exam-structured
- ✓State Exam questions in every topic
- ✓Downloadable Anki deck (.apkg)
- ✓Cancel anytime
A recurring monthly subscription — $10/subject, renews until you cancel. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Refund Policy, ask us to start access immediately, and accept that you lose your 14-day right of withdrawal once access begins.
Already subscribed? Sign in