Stoma Issues in the Obese Patient

Abstract

Stoma creation in the obese patient presents technical challenges beyond the usual considerations that surround stoma creation. Both short-term and long-term stoma complication rates are higher in the obese patient. One must always strive to create a protruding well-vascularized stoma while maximizing the potential to restore bowel continuity in the future. This article will discuss the potential complications and difficulties associated with the creation of a stoma in the obese patient. It will also discuss the traditional techniques for creating the stoma and include modifications that may be required in the obese patient. It will cover technical tips that may help to avoid the complications and pitfalls of creating a stoma in the obese patient.