Intestinal stomas

Intestinal stomas are frequently necessary after abdominal surgery. A thorough understanding of this less than glamorous area of surgical practice can prevent complications and make a significant difference to patients. The first part of this review focuses on the basic principles underpinning the management of intestinal stomas (i.e. physiology, formation, common complications). The second part comments briefly on specific types of stoma and their role in current clinical practice.