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The Characteristics of a Stoma

A stoma is a surgical opening that a doctor must place on the body to allow for drainage from the stoma opening. The neck or throat, and the stomach or pelvic area are common locations for the stoma. Stomas should be painless and you shouldn't feel anything internally when you touch it. Stoma location and characteristics are very important. Pay close attention to your stoma. You need to report any change, though sometimes normal, to your doctor. This includes any change in color or appearance.

  1. Location, Color and Physical Characteristics

    • The stoma is located on a part of the body without wrinkles or scarring. The best locations are those that contain little fat, such as the pelvic region or the ribs that can support the stoma. The stoma should be cherry red. The red coloring is an indicator that the stoma has a proper supply of blood. It also should be wet or damp to the touch and may bleed easily, which is normal.

    Height

    • The stoma will stand about one inch from the body. The person with the stoma must be able to see it so someone can clean and use it properly. If your body envelops it, a doctor must add other accessories to make the stoma useful. If your body does try to envelop the stoma, a surgeon will need to create a barrier for the stoma that will enable it to stand off of your body.

    Shape and Aperture

    • A stoma is either round or oval. Doctors prefer round stomas as most products are pre-shaped and fit circular stomas only. Specially designed products may have to be purchased for oval stomas.

      Placement of the aperture or opening of the stoma is essential. It needs to be located in the middle of the stoma. If the opening is placed too low on the stoma, you may have a leakage problem. If the stoma does leak, it may drain into your body instead of outside it.

    Size

    • The size of the stoma is different for each patient. You should measure the stoma often with a tape measure to keep track of change in size. Change in size is not uncommon but you should monitor it. If a stoma changes, you will need to replace the drainage pouch. If the stoma changes in size too rapidly, it may cause the skin to become inflamed and irritated which can cause pain or itching--and possibly an infection if it's not treated.

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