Stoma site marking
Before your surgery, a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence (NSWOC) or your surgeon will examine your abdomen to pick the best location for the stoma. Stoma site marking should be done for anyone going for ostomy surgery. Sometimes though, for instance when people need emergency surgery, it is not possible to have an expert in stoma site marking select the location of the stoma.
Why should a stoma site be marked?
Studies show that people who have had their stoma site marked before surgery have fewer ostomy-related complications. The goal of stoma site marking is to improve your ability to care for your stoma yourself, have predictable wear time with your pouching system, and make it easier to get back to your regular life and activities.
How is the stoma site selected?
The nurse or or surgeon marking your stoma site takes many factors into considerations.