The State of the Standard Diversion

Abstract

In Brief A fecal or urinary diversion is frequently recommended for a variety of patient conditions. This article will review some of the history of stoma creation, discuss current practices in stoma care, and summarize the current literature regarding stomal complications. Outcomes of fecal and urinary diversion procedures will be depicted, and postoperative quality of life will be described. An update of current ostomy equipment will be presented, along with the crucial role of the WOC nurse in stoma care rehabilitation. Areas for future research in the ongoing drive for evidence-based practice will be highlighted. The history of stoma creation, current stoma care practices, and a review of stomal complications.