Stoma care nurses have a key role in promoting discussion of anticipated problems and have a unique insight into the needs and difficidties of patients with temporary stomas. This article reviews the different management problems presented by temporary colostomies and ileostomies, and advocates a multidisciplinary approach to care

A stoma is an artificial opening into the bowel which is brought to the surface of the abdomen, and through which the contents of the bowel are eliminated. It is constructed from the small bowel (ileostomy) or the large bowel (colostomy) and may be temporary or permanent.