It is important to familiarise yourself with the common pathologies and indications for a stoma in neonates and children, as these are different than in adults. “There has been a decrease in the number of stoma performed in childhood with advances in surgical techniques and single-stage procedures...” (McIltrot, K., 2016. p 174).

As healthcare professionals, it is important that we are informed about the types of stomas that are observed in children, babies and neonates. The following chart provides examples and descriptions of the types of stomas observed in the paediatric population.

When treating the paediatric population, you need to familiarise yourself with the skin characteristics of this group

Stoma site marking is another important area within paediatric stoma care. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of when such marking is required, and when it is not.

Adult stoma care principles apply to neonates and children. However, special attention should be given to the skin characteristics and body profile of premature neonates, neonates and children at various ages.

Claire Bohr - Paediatric Stoma & Bowel Management Nurse

This video covers the following conditions.

• Introduction to Paediatric Board
• Paediatric guideline overview
• Project purpose & vision

Today, there are more paediatric stoma products available than ever before. However, the selection is still limited in neonates, as well as for children with high or liquid output, and/or a difficult location. For this reason, healthcare professionals working in paediatrics must be imaginative and creative.

Stoma and peristomal skin complications are also observed in neonates and children, and it is imperative to know how to manage them.