Ostomy and pregnancy.

Pregnancy in a woman with ostomy poses significant concern in its management. A search for literature addressing this problem revealed minimal information. Questionnaires on this subject were sent to all of the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and the replies received from them were analyzed by the computer. Attempts were made to answer questions regarding stoma complications, recurrence of disease during pregnancy, type of childbirth (vaginal or cesarean), special needs during pregnancy, and any recurring problems with subsequent pregnancies.