Choosing the correct stoma appliance.

Surgery to the bowel or bladder that results in a stoma, whether temporary or permanent, is designed to improve the patient's current situation in removing disease, reducing pain and improving health. Adaptation to a stoma is assisted by selection of the most appropriate appliance. Today there is an extensive array of stoma appliances available in the Drug Tariff, but many health-care professionals will have little knowledge of what to prescribe for the stoma patient. This article will look at choosing the correct appliance for the patient with a bowel or bladder stoma.