What is a key sign of stoma necrosis?

A dark blue or black color of the stoma indicates stoma necrosis. This color change is a critical sign of compromised blood supply to the stoma, suggesting that the tissue is dying due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. The color results from severe ischemia, which occurs when blood flow to the stoma is significantly reduced or completely obstructed. In a healthy stoma, the color should be a healthy pink or red, indicating adequate circulation. When necrosis occurs, timely intervention is necessary to prevent further complications, including the potential need for stoma revision or other surgical interventions.

Other signs, such as redness and swelling around the stoma, increased output, or excessive bleeding, might indicate irritation or other complications but are not specific indicators of necrosis. These symptoms could signify infection or other non-life-threatening issues but do not necessarily relate to the vital blood flow status that stoma necrosis specifically indicates.