Stomas in children.

During a 2-year period 176 stoma operations were performed at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, for various conditions. About 50% were performed on neonates and a further 30% on infants under 1 year of age. The majority of stoma operations in this age group are performed as emergencies and the stomas are temporary. Only 10% are permanent. The specific stomas, the indications for these, some special points in technique, and the complications are considered and discussed. The management of an infant or child with a stoma is reviewed and the value of a stomatherapist in a surgical unit is stressed.