Stoma care: an update

Each year an estimated 13 500 stoma surgeries are carried out in the UK ( Kettle, 2019 ). Stoma surgery may involve the formation of a colostomy or an ileostomy. The person with a stoma may require help and support from the community nurse. This article aims to update readers on the indications for colostomy and ileostomy surgery and to enable them to support ostomates to reduce the risks of complications.