This paper reports a series of 316 patients with 322 stomas. of which
156 were end-sigmoid colostomies (48.5%) and 123 urological ileal cond
uits (38.2%). An overall complication rate of 66.8% was detected, with
parastomal herniation rate, stenotic rate, and prolapse rate of 31.1,
10.2 and 6.8%. respectively. Complications were detected much later i
n a urological stoma than in a colostomy. Patients bearing an abdomina
l stoma should be followed up stringently. The creation of an abdomina
l stoma should not be regarded as a minor surgical procedure. Certain
stomas, such as loop transverse colostomy, should be avoided whenever
possible.