Abdominoplasty in the Presence of a Stoma for Functional and Aesthetic Indications

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is widely available; however, patients with abdominal stomas appear to be relatively undertreated. Apprehension to offer abdominoplasty in the presence of a stoma may be secondary to the fear of surgical site infection and stoma compromise. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of abdominoplasty in the presence of an abdominal stoma for both functional and aesthetic indications and to define perioperative protocols to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in this patient population. METHODS: The authors present 2 patients with stomas who underwent abdominoplasty. Patient 1 was a 62-year-old female with a history of urostomy formation and weight loss. She had a fold of skin overhanging her ostomy site, making it difficult to maintain a seal on her urostomy bag. She underwent fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty and urostomy revision. Patient 2 was a 43-year-old female with a history of end ileostomy formation, who requested cosmetic abdominoplasty to address postpartum abdominal changes; she had no functional stoma-related complaints. Abdominoplasty, flank liposuction, and ileostomy revision were performed. RESULTS: Both patients were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional outcomes. There were no complications and no instances of stoma compromise. At follow-up, Patient 1 reported a complete amelioration of her urosotomy appliance issues. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominoplasty may confer both functional and aesthetic benefits to patients with abdominal stomas. The authors present peri- and intraoperative protocols, both to prevent stoma compromise and to reduce the risk of surgical site infection. The presence of a stoma does not appear to be an absolute contraindication to cosmetic abdominoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5: [Image: see text]