What is a potential complication of ostomy surgery?

Stenosis, or the narrowing of the stoma, is a recognized potential complication following ostomy surgery. This condition can severely impact the flow of output from the stoma, leading to issues such as intestinal obstruction and difficulty managing ostomy care. Stenosis may occur due to scar tissue formation, which can develop as the stoma heals post-surgery. If the stoma becomes too narrow, it can restrict the passage of stool, leading to discomfort and potentially requiring further intervention, such as a surgical revision or dilation procedure to restore adequate functioning.

In contrast, while infection of the surgical site is indeed a risk associated with any surgical procedure, it is a more immediate postoperative concern rather than a specific long-term complication of ostomy surgery. Excessive weight loss may occur for various reasons following surgery but is not a direct complication specific to ostomy procedures. Lastly, increased fluid retention is not a typical concern directly related to ostomy surgery, as ostomies often require patients to adjust their hydration due to changes in bowel output rather than lead to fluid retention issues. Thus, stenosis is a direct consequence of the surgical alteration to the bowel and presents a unique challenge in ostomy management.